GolfRSA International Amateur: Altin van der Merwe wins in a playoff
Altin van der Merwe (GolfRSA photo)
Altin van der Merwe, the No. 1 ranked amateur in South Africa, shot a 12-under to tie with
Jack Ingham of the Netherlands. This forced a playoff, ultimately securing Merwe's victory in the GolfRSA International Amateur Championship at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Merwe's rounds of 68-73-71-64 were matched by Ingham's 70-68-70-68, leading to a playoff on No. 18. Merwe secured victory with a birdie from the bunker on the first playoff hole.
Merwe is no newcomer to winning; he was recently crowned the AGC Mid-Amateur Player of the Year for his outstanding 2023 season, during which he performed exceptionally well. Merwe is also No. 19 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.
Related: THE 2023 AGC MID-AM PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ALTIN VAN DER MERWE
Last year, he participated in 20 ranked events, securing four victories - the Boland Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Western Province Amateur, KwaZulu-Natal Amateur Championship, and Mpumalanga Open. Additionally, he achieved five more top-10 finishes, marking an exceptional season in his career.
Notably, he attained a runner-up position at the Scottish Men’s Open Championship and a 17th place finish at the St. Andrews Links Trophy while representing South Africa. Furthermore, he contributed to the South African team at the World Amateur Team Championship-Eisenhower Trophy, achieving a commendable 24th place finish in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Scotland’s Gregor Ingham claimed third place with rounds of 73-70-65-70, finishing at 10-under.
In the team competition, Team South Africa, led by Jordan Burnand, Altin van der Merwe, Dan Bennett, Ivan Verster, and manager Thinus Labuschagne, posted a total of 635 (208-214-213), securing the GolfRSA International Amateur Team title and adding to South Africa's celebration.
The tournament drew 96 amateurs from diverse countries such as the Netherlands, Scotland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Morocco, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Wales, Italy, South Korea, Serbia, Germany, and the USA.
ABOUT THE GolfRSA International Amateur
Formerly known as the African Amateur Stroke Play,
this is a 72-hole South African Golf Association event
started in 2016 that brings together a highly
competitive
international field. Cut is made to the low 65 players
after the third round.
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