2 May 2014
South Africa claimed their 16th successive All-Africa Junior Golf Championship title in Lusaka on Thursday after dominating the prestigious team event.
The four-man junior squad stretched an almost unassailable 21-shot lead after three rounds at the Chainama Hills Golf Club to a 35-stroke victory over Zimbabwe.
Final round
Defending the title, South Africa combined for a final round of 216 to end the week on a winning score of 873, while last year’s silver medallists, Zimbabwe, wrapped up the runner-up spot and a trip to the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan on 908, with a final round of 230.
South African team manager Kevin Stone said the team was delighted to uphold the country’s proud history in the event.
‘Special’
“Defending a title is always special, but I think this one will stick with the boys for a long time,” the former professional said.
“The course was very challenging and all the participating countries stepped it up in a big way after the president of the Africa Golf Confederation, Ambassador Joe Malangi, made the announcement about the runners-up going to Japan.
“We knew we would be under pressure and our opponents didn’t disappoint. The team showed incredible grit and determination and I am incredibly proud of the team.”
‘Invaluable’
He concluded: “Each player delivered their best effort and the team played well as a unit. I believe the experience gained in playing against some of the best players from countries around Africa will be invaluable. We became a very strong side as the championship progressed and created some wonderful memories to build on in the future.”
It would have taken a mammoth effort from Zimbabwe to close the gap, but still the South Africans refused to even give an inch in the final round.
Final round South African scores
Western Province’s Altin van der Merwe fired a two-under-par 70 – his best round of the week – while Hennie du Plessis from Limpopo added a 75 to the team’s tally.
Southern Cape’s Jovan Rebula fired a 71, also his lowest effort in the championship, and the round that carried him to the top of the Individual Standings.
Ekurhuleni’s Kyle McClatchie carded a non-counting 77.
Zimbabwean challenge
Stuart Krog, who once again set the tone for Zimbabwe with a 75, was supported by Kieron Vincent, who carded a 76 and Justin Kersten, who signed for a 79. Jack Allard posted a non-counting 81.
Meanwhile, Zambia delivered a powerful message when the side once again claimed third on 923.
Peter Munyinya led the way with a 76, while Kelvin Chibuye posted an 80 and Gabriel Chibale carded an 81 for a final round 237. Charles Shalubobya signed for a non- counting 85.
Reunion, helped by a 75 from Julien Sale and 80s from Robin Baudry and Alexandre Rajerinera, closed with a 235 to hold on to fourth on 931, finishing 11 shots ahead of Uganda.
FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
- 873 South Africa 220, 223, 214, 216
- 908 Zimbabwe 232, 222, 224, 230
- 923 Zambia 222, 238, 226, 237
- 931 Reunion 231, 233, 232, 235
- 942 Uganda 231, 236, 236, 239
- 957 Kenya 238, 238, 239, 242
- 958 Tunisia 233, 245, 240, 240
- 964 Swaziland 246, 240, 241, 237
- 986 Namibia 255, 237, 244, 250
- 989 Botswana 246, 261, 240, 242
- 1043 Mauritius 271, 254, 254, 264
- 1119 Malawi 280, 288, 289, 262
INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD
- 292 Jovan Rebula (South Africa) 74, 74, 73, 71
- 294 Stuart Krog (Zimbabwe) 78, 71, 70, 75
- 295 Altin van der Merwe (South Africa) 78, 75, 72, 70
- 297 Kyle McClatchie (South Africa) 75, 74, 71, 77
- 299 Hennie du Plessis (South Africa) 71, 82, 71, 75
- 300 Julian Sale (Reunion) 78, 75, 72, 75
- 300 Kieron Vincent (Zimbabwe) 75, 71, 78, 76
- 301 Peter Munyinya (Zambia) 74, 79, 72, 76
- 309 Elyes Barhoumi (Tunisia) 74, 77, 80, 78
- 309 Kelvin Chibuye (Zambia) 70, 82, 77, 80
SAinfo reporter
