Scotland (10 June 2015) – As the sun set on the first day of the Tri-Series between Scotland, South Africa and Australia on Wednesday, the host nation are in the driver’s seat while South Africa moved into second with a little Aussie assistance at Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness, Scotland.

Bearsden’s Ewen Ferguson opened with a 70, while reigning Sanlam SA Amateur champion Daniel Young and Robert MacIntyre boosted the team’s tally with a pair of 69s.

Greig Marchbank, Grant Forrest and Jack McDonald all returned 71s to put the Scots in pole position on 350.

South Africa started with only five players after SA number two ranked Teaghan Gauche was relegated to the bench with severe tendinitis, but the local heroes finished second on 362…with a little help from one of Australia’s brightest golfing prospects, rookie professional, Todd Sinnott.

“Since Teaghan couldn’t play and the format is six players with five scores to count, the Australian team kindly ‘lend’ us Todd to make up the numbers,” explained team manager Kevin Stone.

“He posted the low round of the day, a 63, so we are definitely not complaining! Of course we ragged him a little, but once we got on the golf course, it was a team affair.”

TuksSport Golf Academy member Jason Smith led the true South African challenge with a 70, while fellow Gauteng North player Hendrikus Stoop carded a 74. Jade Buitendag from Southern Cape contributed a 77, while Matthew Spacey from Central Gauteng and Gauteng North’s James du Preez both registered 78s.

“It was an absolutely perfect Scottish summer’s day, a balmy 20 degrees Celsius and not a sign of any wind,” Stone said.

“After the gale force winds at St Andrews, everyone tried to take advantage of the great weather and we had a lot of fun out there. The players are really enjoying the chance to navigate around a true links layout and dealing with the challenges it throws up.

“We lead by four strokes from one Australian team and by eight from their second team. I really hope the Australian Amateur Squad’s manager lets us have Todd for the final round. He was a great inspiration for the players and they are really fired up.”

Australia’s first team scored 366, with 2014 Australian Junior Amateur Ryan Ruffles and Taylor MacDonald leading the way with a pair of 70s.

Cameron Davis (73), Harrison Endycott (75), and Anthony Murdaca (78) added to their tally, while Lucas Herbert posted a non-counting 80.

The second team combined for a 370 and are within striking distance of their countrymen.

Brett Colatta, Ben Eccles and Kiran Day all carded 73s, while Andrew Schonewille added a 74 and Daniel Gale a 76.

DJ Loypur closed with a non-counting 77 and Zach Murray a non-counting 79.

The Tri-Series wraps up on Thursday and the South Africans then head to Carnoustie and Panmure Golf Clubs, which will host the 120th Amateur Championship from 15 – 20 June.

To follow the scoring from the Tri-Series, click HERE

PHOTO – The South African squad at Castle Stuart Golf Links; credit Kevin Stone.
From left to right – Theo Bezuidenhout (sport psychologist, Teaghan Gauche, Jason Smith, Hendrikus Stoop, Jade Buitendag, Matthew Spacey and James du Preez.