Tristen Strydom held his nerve to claim an impressive one-shot victory on the final stage of Qualifying School at Houghton Golf Club on Thursday, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.
Strydom backed up his brilliant third round 62 with another excellent 6 under par on the final day to finish the competition on 19 under, edging PH McIntyre, who finished a stroke back in second place.
The 23-year-old Strydom was quick out of the blocks, carding three consecutive birdies on the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes and carried that momentum into the back nine with a further four birdies to close out with a round of 66.
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He is now one of 27 players, who will be competing on the Sunshine Tour in the upcoming season after earning his tour card in the process.
‘Q-school is never an easy week. I am pleased with this result, obviously. I felt like the experience I had here last year helped me today and I’m just very happy.
‘I feel like last season was a big learning experience for me. I take it in my stride, even though I felt like I failed. I learned a lot but this year, I’m just going to go for it. In golf it’s not easy to move forward but I just want to use this year to my fullest ability and make sure I attack because I feel like last season I was too defensive,’ confessed a relieved Strydom.
Jayden Schaper is also one of the players to earn his card as a result of an excellent year so far. The teenager finished 6th at the SA Open in January before deciding to compete as a pro.
Former No1 ranked amateur Kyle McClatchie unfortunately missed out on his tour card after finishing T37 in Johannesburg this week.
The players, who earned their cards for the Sunshine Tour next season are: Tristen Strydom, PH McIntyre, Luke Brown, Rupert Kaminski, Byron Coetzee, Gideon van der Vyver, Richard Joubert, Divan van den Heever, Jason Roets, Jayden Schaper, Cameron Moralee, Richie O’Donovan, Clayton Mansfield, Brooklin Bailey, Roberto Lupini, Luka Filipi (a), Aubrey Beckley, Ruan Korb, Albert Venter, Keagan Thomas, Andrew Williamson, Hayden Griffiths, Dylan Mostert, Gordon Neale, Combrinck Smit, Ben Firth, Jack Duthie, Quintin Wilsnach.
