Franschhoek amateur golfer Craig Whitson enjoyed a dream debut on the Vodacom Origins of Golf Series.
He teamed up with Sunshine Tour professional Malcolm Mitchell to win the national final of this prestigious pro-am series at the Pinnacle Point Estate on Wednesday, in what is quite aptly called ‘Iconic Mossel Bay’.
Whitson, a nine handicap who plays his golf at Pearl Valley, and Mitchell finished the 36-hole competition with 87 points and earned the title of 2022 Vodacom Origins of Golf champions, edging out Merrick Bremner and his amateur partner Marco dos Santos, who finished second on 83 points.
“What a fantastic experience. This was my first experience of the Vodacom Origins of Golf and when we came off the golf course I actually said to Malcolm that I’ve got a tear in my eye about the fact that it had to end. As amateur golfers we were treated like professionals,” said a delighted Whitson.
“Malcolm was just wonderful to play with. We became like brothers over these two days. We had so much fun. The highlight for me was being exposed to what professional golfers are exposed to. It’s just an absolute treat to see up close how these professionals approach the game and the decisions they make on the golf course. It gives you a newfound respect for them.”
Mitchell was equally thrilled to add his name to a long list of pro-am winners on this series, which dates back to 2004.
“The Vodacom Origins of Golf tournaments are always a pleasure to play, and this week was that much more special for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner this week than Craig. It was great,” he said.
This was the 18th season of the Vodacom Origins of Golf Series on the Sunshine Tour. The national final brought together the top-five finishers from each of the previous regional tournaments played around South Africa this year in their quest to claim overall honours.
