A seven-man delegation from the Scottish Golf Union’s National Squad have arrived in Cape Town and their goal is simple: to deny South Africa’s leading amateurs a home title for a third year running when the Sanlam South African Amateur Championship tees off at Mowbray Golf Club from 26 February to 2 March 2012.
Two years ago, Englishman Laurie Canter secured the coveted silverware with a 6 & 5 victory over Allen Versfeld at East London Golf Club, and last year the final of the country’s oldest amateur tournament was contested between two Scotsmen.
Paul Shields, who lost the spoils in a 5 & 4 defeat to Michael Stewart at Vaal de Grace in 2011, heads the strong line-up of Scotland’s top amateurs including in-form Scott Crichton, James White, Fraser McKenna, Brian Soutar, Daniel Kay and Connor O’Neil.
The local favourites say they are expecting a strong Scottish onslaught.
No less than 10 top English golfers will also fight to win the Proudfoot Trophy in the 36-hole qualifier and book their spot in the 110th Sanlam SA Amateur.
Haydn Porteous, who is aiming to become only the seventh player to win the South African Stroke Play and Match Play titles in the same calendar year, said he would back Worthing’s Toby Tree to go far in the tournament.
“He is one of England’s best prospects for the professional game,” said the 17-year-old. “Since he arrived in the country, he won the Gauteng North Stroke Play, had a top-15 finish at the SA Stroke Play and we have been practicing like demons for the Amateur. I think he is going to be hard to stop.”
The Sanlam SA Amateur tees off on Sunday, 26 February with the 36-hole qualifier. The top 64 players will qualify to contest the Match Play starting on 28 February.
Click here to view the first round tee times
