Jonathan Broomhead has a very simple secret behind his strong start to his rookie season on the Sunshine Tour and the four top-10s in eight tournaments that have carried him to the top of the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings.
“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” said Broomhead.
Standing on the putting green at Pretoria Country Club during this week’s Bain’s Whisky Ubunye Championship, Broomhead reflected on his Sunshine Tour journey to this point.
“When I earned my spot on the Sunshine Tour, I had a chat with my family and for me it was all about not making too much of a big deal about being professional. I feel the more at ease you can be out here, the easier it makes it,” he said.
The former GolfRSA star of the amateur game has certainly looked at ease in the pro arena. After securing his Sunshine Tour card with a second place at Qualifying School in April this year, Broomhead didn’t waste any time and finished tied eighth in his first event – the FBC Zimbabwe Open.
His other tournament highlights have included tied fifth in the SunBet Challenge Sun City, tied 10th in the SunBet Challenge Wild Coast, and tied third in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Zebula where he finished just two shots off the winning total.
“A big factor in terms of my performances has been my caddie Frank,” said Broomhead. “He’s a very experienced caddie who does a great job in keeping me calm on the course, and that allows me to then play my part.”
The young star is also keen to learn from the more experienced professionals on the Tour.
“I believe firmly in hanging around the right people. There are a lot of experienced professionals on the Sunshine Tour and if you can hang around them you pick up a lot of advice and guidance.”
With several goals to chase and a big summer of opportunity on the horizon in the DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournaments he’s hoping to qualify for, Broomhead is certainly keen to maintain his position at the top of the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings and claim more than just the honour of that title at the end of this season.
The leading rookie will also receive a bonus of R200,000.
But for now, he’s sticking to the plan. Don’t make a big deal out of it.
And it seems to be working.
By Michael Vlismas
