Lyle Pedro began 2020 in style by shooting a 2-under-par round at Robertson Golf Club on Friday 3 January to win his first Bridge Fund Managers Junior Series title.
With the win the 16-year-old South African Golf Development Board member – a pupil at Curro Kathu – qualifies for the regional final of the #BridgeJuniorSeries in April where the ultimate prize is an all-expenses paid trip to the North and South Junior Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina which has hosted three US Opens, the PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play in the regional finals,” said Lyle, a Kathu resident who is a member of the Sishen Golf Club in the Northern Cape.
The key to his win in Robertson was keeping the ball in play and limiting mistakes, especially when the wind got up on the back nine. Malan Potgieter of Kirkwood Golf Club placed second a shot behind. Murray Boast of Milnerton Golf Club eagled the 18th hole to place tied 3rd with Keanan Keffers of Theewaterskloof Golf Club after matching 73s.
Lyle’s goal for 2020 is to break into the Top 20 of the national junior rankings, while his longer term vision is to play on the European Tour and win a Major.
“Well done to Lyle who travelled a long way to compete in Robertson and was rewarded with a victory and spot in the regional finals,” said Paul Stewart, Chief Executive at Bridge Fund Managers.
The #BridgeJuniorSeries launched in 2017, is managed by the SA Golf Development Board and endorsed by GolfRSA. Open to boys and girls in the U13 and U19 divisions, it is played across 18 tournaments hosted by leading courses countrywide.
Golfers have a few more opportunities to qualify for the regional finals. Visit juniorseries.bridgefm.co.za for the full schedule and entry mechanism, or contact Peter Little of the SAGDB on littlegolfers2@gmail.com.