2010 EP AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
The final of the E.P Amateur Matchplay championships were played on Sunday 31st January at St Francis Links golf course over 36 holes. The golf course was in immaculate condition but a strong westerly wind made the going a bit tough for the competitors.
The "A" section final was played between Alastair De Kock from Uitenhage golf club and Juan Viljoen from Port Elizabeth golf club. Alastair reached the final by beating the defending champion Luke Jerling (P.E Golf Club) in the semi-finals 5 and 4 while Juan beat Boetie Zietsman (Zwartenbosch) on the 19th hole.
Juan started the better player but Alastair pulled the game back on the back nine to be only one down through 18 holes. Neither player managed a birdie on the first 18 holes as the course bared its teeth. In the afternoon round Alastair found his rhythm and started gaining control of the match. He birdied both the 5th and the12th to pull ahead while Juan came back with an amazing eagle on the par 5 13th. Alastair remained unphased and played solid golf sealing off the match 4 and 3.
The "B" section final was played between Pieter Rademeyer from Adelaide Golf club and Hando Brophy playing out of Port Elizabeth Golf Club. Pieter reached the final by beating Ray Tavener (P.E Golf Club) in the semi-finals 8 and 6 while Hando got the better of Naas Rautenbach (Hankey Golf Club) 2 and 1.
Hando played solid golf in the opening 9 holes opening up a three hole lead but watched it vanish in the back nine as Pieter came back to square the match and end a closely fought opening 18 holes. Hando produced a birdie on the short par three 4th but Pieter came back strong with two birdies of his own on the 5th and 6th. Pieter then took control of the match and ended up winning 6 and 5.
The "A" section Plate Final was contested between Charl Nortier from Port Elizabeth Golf Club and Vico Kuhn from Uitenhage Golf Club. Charl reached the final by beating McDonald Dyafta (Motherwell Golf Club) 6 and 5 while Vico Kuhn outplayed Andre Potgieter (Kirkwood Golf Club) 2 and 1.
In what was the most closely contested match of the day Vico Kuhn pulled two holes ahead after the first 18. He birdied the 5th, 8th and 16th holes whilst Charl had two of his own on the 7th and 16th. Charl started the afternoon round in sizzling form making birdies at the 2nd, 3rd and 6th holes gaining a lead of 4up with only 6 holes to play. Vico showed tremendous courage and determination fighting back winning the next four holes in a row. They each shared par 4's on the 18th to extend the match into sudden death where Vico made another rock solid par to win on the 37th hole.
