Cold weather and high winds with an occasional shower did not deter some of the best amateur golfers in Mpumalanga to descend on Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club for the Mpumalanga Closed Amateur Championship.
The day started with a few bursts of rain and high winds. The winds continued but the rain subsided. The course, however, was designed for our adverse weather and produced some excellent golf. 84 players entered the tournament that was played in two sections. One for Seniors and one in the Open category.
The winning score for the Open category was 144 points and won by Jarryd Elliott. Jarryd previously played as a junior and has now moved into the open ranks. The winning was not all plain sailing though, as a playoff was on the cards at one stage but Ian Jacobs missing a put gave Jarryd the win.
Jarryd said to The Bulletin: “I have never won an open tournament before. I always played well but only managed in the top 5.” Jarryd just finished matric and is hoping to secure the necessary sponsorships to be able to play golf in America. He already secured a scholarship there. Jarryd plays from the Bankenveld Golf Estate near Witbank.
Ermelo Golf Club boasted with the first and second place under the seniors with Brian Naidoo being crowned the winner and Eddie Daniel securing second place. Thank you to Graceland for being excellent hosts!
