And here we are, playing in as many local GNGU tournaments as humanly possible, playing national, balancing school, finances, church and family, only to wonder at the end of the day, is it all worth it? Is it worth the wait, the hours on the course, playing, walking, practicing, come rain or shine? Well it is, and the proof is in two of our juniors reaching the top and achieving a major junior goal this month, as they set out to enter the amateur golfing fraternity.

Well done to Tristen Strydom and James du Preez for being awarded their junior Proteas colours for going to represent South Africa later this month in Japan. We are proud of you and we will be watching your every move.

Also not forgetting our other beloved GNGU junior, Zander Lombard, who left us at the beginning of 2013 to pursue his golfing career on the amateur scene. Zander also achieved his Proteas colours a while back, making him one of four GNGU juniors doing this in quick succession.

These great achievements also coincides with another one of our juniors of three years ago, Brandon Stone, turning pro! Stone’s amateur career has made him the talk of the golfing world and, after a year at Texas University where he finished the season ranked second on the collegiate rankings according to GolfWeek, he will play in his first professional event at the BMW International Open on a sponsor’s exemption. Ahead of his professional debut, Stone will also be signing deals with Ping and Titleist/Footjoy.

Credit Dale Boyce

Stone headed to the United States on a golf scholarship last year as the top ranked amateur in South Africa and has had a freshman year to remember, winning the 2013 Big Conference Player and Newcomer of the Year, the Bayou City Collegiate Championship and the Big 12 Championship. Last week, he was announced as the 2013 NCAA Freshman of the Year and a Ping First Team All-American.

Named Golf Digest Amateur of the Year in 2011, Stone has represented South Africa at junior and senior levels. He served as a member of South Africa’s 2012 Eisenhower Trophy and has amassed a staggering 18 titles over the past four years. Proud of you Brandon! A true GNGU ambassador.

Four success stories in just the last 3 years. We at the GNGU salute you all and we are truly blessed to have so many excellent golfers coming our way.

Against substantial odds and the best junior boys and girls from across the Province, Carrie Park scored three tournament victories during the school holidays.

Carrie’s first win came on the back of an astonishing 72, 65 (-7) at Zwartkop Country Club – a victory by 7 shots that clearly inspired her to face all comers in her pursuit of the next one.  This didn’t take long – emerging victorious again from a playoff with Gareth Anderson after shooting 73, 69 (-2) at Centurion Country Club.  Two wins simply weren’t going to be enough, regardless of the opposition, and her high hopes for Pebble Rock were rewarded with a third tournament win from scores of 71,73 (+2). Not satisfied with being the first girl to be named “Champ of the Day”, Carrie succeeded in lifting the title three times and backed that up with a second place and two Top 10 finishes in three more events for an amazing holiday performance.

Carrie has been a student of the GFG Academy Southdowns College Elite training programme for two years, and still manages to achieve excellent academic results in between tournaments and training.  GFG Academy’s training schedules are tailored to ensure that its students achieve their objectives as golfers without compromising their academic performance.  Carrie Park and others are proof that success in both is possible with proper support and planning.

Congratulations Carrie.  We are very proud to have such a talented young lady to call our own – especially in the strongest Province in the country – and you are an inspiration to every young Gauteng North Junior golfer. Keep up the good work.

Leon Roux

The leaders in the final round of the Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl Championship teed off in wet conditions at Selborne Park Golf Estate.  With only two shots separating the top four players, the scene was set for an exciting day’s play.  After 9 holes, Magda Kruger and Ji Sun Kang were tied  on level par, with leader and defending champion, Kelly Erasmus trailing by 3 shots after going out of bounds on the  9^th hole.  Catherine Lau, playing behind the leaders, had turned +2, and was unaware that she was in contention.  The intermittent rain together with the pressure of being in the leading group appeared to take it’s toll on them.  All Ji Sun needed to force a play-off for the title was a par on the final hole; Magda needed a birdie.  Unfortunately, this was not to be, leaving 12 year old Catherine Lau a surprised but worthy winner. Well done Catherine!