Frenchman David Ravetto claimed his maiden victory on both the Sunshine Tour and the European Challenge Tour when he won the Dimension Data Pro-Am by two strokes at Fancourt on Sunday. MICHAEL VLISMAS reports.
Ravetto took a two-shot lead into the final round on the Montagu course, and two birdies in his opening three holes and then another two birdies in three holes over the turn kept him beyond reach of the field as he closed with a 69 to finish on 15 under par.
“It feels amazing,” said Ravetto. “I’m really proud of myself with how I played. The past six months haven’t been easy for me and I’m super happy.”
Remarkably, Ravetto is the first French winner of one of South Africa’s longest-standing pro-am tournaments dating back to 1996.
“The key for me this week was just to play solid golf and try to hit as many good shots as I can,” he said. “I did that today. Today was windy and the pins were tough. I’m happy I didn’t panic. I made a few early birdies and then just tried to play solid golf thereafter.”
The moment Ravetto secured a maiden Sunshine Tour and Challenge Tour victory ?#DDProAm | #DDProAm2024 pic.twitter.com/NTXJJdyB9p
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) February 18, 2024
England’s Sam Hutsby did his best to catch Ravetto on the final day. When the Frenchman bogeyed the 13th Hutsby had closed to within one shot of him. But Hutsby’s double-bogey on 17 ended his charge as he signed for a 68 and second place on 13 under par.
South Africans Hennie du Plessis and Robin Williams as well as Spain’s Victor Pastor shared third place on 11 under par.
Ravetto admits that the victory has changed his plans somewhat as he now looks to a year of even greater opportunities.
“This will definitely change my planning a bit. I think I’ll still play the DP World Tour a bit, but this proves to me that I’m good enough to win out here.
“It’s always nice in South Africa as well. The people are so friendly and the courses are in great condition. The three golf courses here at Fancourt are just amazing.”
Photo: Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour
