17-year-old Ethan Gough of Hillcrest romped to a comprehensive 3-shot victory at Royal Durban GC on Sunday 8 September 2019 to win the opening tournament of Season 3 of the Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series.
The Maritzburg College pupil, coached by Sean Coetzee at the SCIEG academy, shot level par 73 with Matthew Kruger and Christopher Gutuza three back. Ethan built up a substantial 6-shot lead including a tap in birdie on 13 after his bunker shot lipped out for eagle. However, he dropped a few shots as nerves and blustery winds got the better of him over the final few holes.
“At some point in the round one of my playing partners told me I had a 6-shot lead and I think I became bit defensive, trying to protect the lead and this resulted in me dropping some shots on the back nine,” said Ethan, a member of Kloof County Club.
By winning the title Ethan has secured his place in the North regional final of the #BridgeJuniorSeries to be played over 36-holes in April 2020, where he will compete for the ultimate prize – an all-expenses paid trip to the Junior North and South Championship at Pinehurst, USA in July 2020.
“The opportunity to compete for a place at Pinehurst is definitely the main reason why I entered the Bridge Junior Series,” says Ethan, who aims to make the KZN inter-provincial team this year and become one of the country’s Top 20 amateurs on his way to realising his ultimate goal of turning professional.
The juniorseries.bridgefm.co.zalaunched in July 2017, is endorsed by GolfRSA and managed by the SA Golf Development Board. Open to boys and girls in the U13 and U19 divisions, the Series is played across 18 tournaments hosted by leading courses countrywide and attracted over 1500 entries in Season 2. The 18 tournament winners contest 36-hole regional finals in April 2020 with the two winners jetting off to Pinehurst.
“Ethan put on an impressive performance at one of South Africa’s iconic golf courses,” says Paul Stewart, Chief Executive at Bridge Fund Managers. “We look forward to seeing him take on the rest of the Season 3 tournament winners in April 2020.”
Visit juniorseries.bridgefm.co.za for the full schedule and entry mechanism, or contact Peter Little of the SAGDB on littlegolfers2@gmail.com.
Media Contact:
Paul Stewart, Chief Executive Officer – 021 4920210. paul.stewart@bridgefm.co.za