Great success for local golfers

GOLF NEWS - The 127th Amateur Championship was played last week at Royal Lytham and St Annes, England.

Not only was it an amazing week for South African golf, but also for KeNako Academy head coach and GolfRSA national coach, Roger Wessels.

The 36-hole British Amateur stroke play qualifier was won by Jono Broomhead, with Wessels caddying for him. Aldrich Potgieter went on to win the British Championship, becoming the third South African to win the world's most prestigious amateur golf title after Bobby Cole in 1966 and Jovan Rebula in 2018.

Wessels was also the national coach in 2018, which means that he has been the coach at two British Amateur successes - an amazing achievement.

As GolfRSA chief executive officer Grant Hepburn wrote after the SA squad's successes in 2018, "Not only did you have a successful playing career but you have become a successful and hugely respected coach.

"Your wealth of knowledge has been enhanced since 2018, so the value that you bring to the table is even greater. Well done Roger, and congratulations on your efforts and your contribution to golf."

Roger Wessels and several GolfRSA squad members standing in one of the bunkers at the very challenging Royal Lytham. Form left: Kyle de Beer, Christiaan Maas, Casey Jarvis, Jonathan Broomhead and Roger Wessels.

Aldrich Potgieter with his fellow South African teammates after winning the R&A Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes on 18 June. Photo: Matthew Lewis