Congratulations to Centurion Country Club pair Albert Venter and Andrew van der Knaap, Woodhill’s Philip Kruse and James du Preez from Pretoria Country Club, who qualified for the Match Play stage of the Sanlam SA Amateur Championship that kicks off at George Golf Club on Tuesday.

Venter, who lifted the African Amateur Stroke Play Championship title at Leopard Creek Country Club in February, lead the Gauteng North challenge with rounds of 67 and 70 to tie for 12th on five-under-par 139. He will face Paul Boshoff from Ekurhuleni in the first round.

Du Preez, who reached the semi-final in Hermanus in 2014, carded rounds of 69 and 72 to finish joint 18th on three under, while Van der Knaap fired a 67 after a disappointing 76 in the first round to grab a seat on the bus at one over 145. Reigning Harry Oppenheimer Trophy champion Kruse posted rounds of 72 and 74 to claim a share of 55th on two over 146.

Du Preez goes up against Scott Gibson from Scotland, Van der Knaap will go head-to-head with Luke Trocado from Western Province, while Kruse will face off Rory Franssen from Scotland, who lifted the Proudfoot Trophy in the 36-hole Stroke Play Qualifier on Monday.

and made sure he starts the first round with