Botswana golfer shines in Sunshine Tour
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday September 9, 2014 14:52
Steve Smith, chairman of Botswana Professional Golfers’ Association said his son, Stuart played well after recovering from flu which struck him after the Zambia Open in June. Stuart enjoyed a great two weeks at the Wild Coast Sun Resort in Natal, South Africa.
“After making the cut and finishing T28th the previous week, Stuart had to pre-qualify last week to make the tournament where 46 players competed for 15 spots. His success in the Pre-Q saw him into the tournament and two good rounds of 67 and 69 saw him in the second spot going into the final day,” said the proud father.
Meanwhile, Stuart pointed out that the final day was a big challenge with winds gusting up to 50km. With a super tee to green game, putting was a challenge for most players in these conditions. The leader and eventual playoff winner, Loius De Jager shot 77, with Stuart shooting 74 and ex-European player, Jaco Ahlers managing 72. “The putting was really challenging. It was hit and miss and very frustrating,” said Stuart.
The Motswana golf star eventually finished two shots off the leading score on level par and secured T7th spot with several other big names in the game.
“I was happy with the hard work I have put in since my recovery and I am really excited going into the next few weeks,” he told South Africa’s supersport.com.
Stuart explained that the top 10 finish automatically gets him into the next event to be played end of this month, where up to 70 players will pre-qualify for 15 spots. He pointed out that his performance is a bonus and it will let him focus on the game and strategy.
Stuart now ranks in the top 100 of the Sunshine Tour and last week’s outcome should secure his exemption card for next year. Smith said if Stuart could make the top 70 by the end of the year, it would boost the number of tournaments he will play. Stuart heads to European Tour School this week to compete for a place in the European Tour card rankings.