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BIG GAME | 08-09-2008
The South African final of the Volvo Masters Amateur was evident in more ways than one as the champions of the Southern Africa series mingled with the champions of the animal kingdom at the magnificent Zebula County Club.
Almost 2,000 amateur golfers from Southern African countries including South Africa, Namibia and Botswana set out on a golfing safari with the aim of qualifying from one of 24 regional events and be one of just 33 golfers on the start line for the National Final at what must surely be the most evocative venue in the world, the stunning Zebula Country Club.
275km north of Johannesburg, Zubula gives up few birdies and eagles but its indigenous wildlife including Zebra, Springbok, Buffalo and Wildebeest provided a stunning backdrop and the golfers strived to book one of just two tickets for the plane to Spain and the Volvo Masters Amateur World Final in early November.
With the field split into the A and B divisions based on handicap, it was to be a remarkable 39 Stableford points carved out the final round of the 6,445m (6,561-yard) Peter Matkovich-designed Zebula course that gave 8-handicapper (VMA Handicap 5) Stephen Loubster the South African Volvo Masters Amateur title and the splendid trophy that goes with it.
"I did not play too bad on the first day with 31 points but I was four behind the leaders and knew I had to do something special on the second day," said Stephen, which he did with the second best performance of the day to give him a total of 70 points and a two-point margin over A Division runner-up Michael Fick.
"I played really well despite feeling a bit of pressure and am privileged to have won such a fine tournament. I would like to thank Volvo and Zebula and also pay tribute to my fellow competitors who were all champions on and off the golf course."
He concluded, "I am honoured to be able to represent my country at the Volvo Masters Amateur World Final at Valderrama and will give it my best shot."
Joining Stephen Loubster in the World Final is B Division winner Mark Barret from Boland who had qualified for the South African final back in May and was to be the clear winner of the second string with 64 Stableford points, four clear of the field.
Playing off 16 (VMA Handicap 12), Mark was also delighted with his performance over the two days and excited at the prospect of playing thefamous Valderrama course.
"Consistency was the secret of my success, 31 points on day one, 33 on the second round and I am excited at having the chance to represent my adopted country of South Africa," said English-born Barrat, adding, "It is a great feeling to be a winner and maybe either Stephen or I can give Volvo Cars South Africa something to shout about up in Spain."
Meanwhile, Clive Roberts walked away from Zebula a double winner, having bagged both the Longest Drive prize on the 18th and Nearest the Pin award on the 190m (208-yard) 17th hole.
Professionally planned and managed by Dale Hayes Golf on behalf of Volvo Cars South Africa, the Volvo Masters Amateur in sub-Saharan Africa partners the nationwide Nomads society, which raised almost half-a-million Rand (approx. US$60,000 / €45,000) for the Junior Golf in South Africa.
Said Dale Hayes, who won back-to-back European Tour Order of Merit titles in the 1970's and remains the youngest-ever winner on the circuit said, "The Volvo Masters Amateur is a wonderful championship, giving amateur golfers an insight into the life of a professional golfer and the 33 guys here this week, and the thousands of players in the series were all champions in their own way."
Managing Director of Volvo Cars South Africa, Bram van der Reep said, "The Volvo Masters Amateur is one of our flagship sponsorships and that is why we have committed again for 2009. I would wish our two winners every success in Spain and wish them luck, but, above all, enjoy yourselves and represent South Africa and Volvo with pride."
The Volvo Masters Amateur World Final takes place at La Quinta Golf Club in Marbella, Spain on 1st November with the second and final round to be played on 3rd November over Valderrama in Sotogrande exactly as it was played by the leading professionals on the European Tour the previous day.
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