SAGDB players excel at Katberg tournament

Four learners from the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) programme in Border were picked for their provincial team that played the recent Katberg inter-provincial tournament. Lusanda Dikileyo competed for the boys u/16 team, Zethu Myeki played in the girls division, and Chuma Adonis and Mangaliso Mnotho were selected for the u/12 team.

The tournament, which also involved teams from Eastern Province and the Free State, was competed over two days, with an individual medal competition on day 1 and fourball alliance on day two. The team format provided a different challenge to all the players, as they are used to competing only in medal at this level.

"The players enjoyed the format of foursomes because they were mixed with the more experienced players, so they really felt part of the team and learnt more from them," said the SAGDB's development manager for Border, Millie Zim. "All in all they had a good time and they gained a lot since it was the first time they have played this format in competition."

On the first day, Mangaliso was the best of the Border u/12 players, shooting 124 over 27 holes. Unfortunately though, Border finished in third place in the team event.

In the u/16 event, Lusanda shot rounds of 86 and 84, to help his team to second place. For the girls, Zethu carded 136 over 27 holes to be part of the victorious Border team.

On the second day, the combined Border team played exceptionally well, winning the overall team event by scoring a total of 605 points from their seven fourballs. Free State finished second on 596 points, with Eastern Province third on 591 points.

"Having the opportunity to compete at this level always adds to the players' self-confidence, especially when they do well," Zim said.