South African Stroke Play Preview

DOWERGLEN, South Aftrica Feb. 6, 2012) -- Brandon Stone will spearhead the local challenge against a strong international line-up when this year’s South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship gets underway at Glendower Golf Club from 7-10 February. Since the inaugural event was won by Dale Hayes in 1969, just a handful of visitors have been able to lift the title, including Yuan Ching Chi (1981), Wen-Sheng Li (1982) and C-S Hsieh (1986) of China and Ireland’s Ciaran McMonagle in 1982. Not since Gary Wolstenholme from England beat Wesley Tucker by three shots at George Golf Club in 2002, has a foreigner been successful and a valiant effort from former Scottish Amateur champion David Law last year was derailed by a determined Jared Harvey, who claimed the title at the first play-off hole after both players tied on 274 at Mount Edgecombe. But Stone and company will have their job cut out to keep the trophy on home soil this year. Nearly 30 foreign entries were received this year from seven countries, including Austria, England, France, Italy, Namibia, Scotland and Zimbabwe and the visitors are eager to chase down one of the two prized titles on the South African amateur circuit. The SA Amateur Stroke Play Championship is contested over 72 holes. The field of 144 will be cut to 65 and ties after 36 holes.