Johannesburg - Six of the country’s top junior golfers will represent South Africa in a two-day test against a French team from 27 to 28 January.
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) named Herman Loubser from Boland, Southern Cape’s Jovan Rebula, Marco Steyn and Dylan Naidoo from Central Gauteng, as well as Keegan de Lange and JP Cooper from Gauteng North to face the French at the St Francis Links near Port Elizabeth.
Gain experience
SAGA golf integration manager, Eden Thompson said: “Last year, we fielded a team of four players that beat the French at the Serengeti golf and wildlife estate.
“The French golf union requested that we increase the teams to six players this year. We were delighted to meet their request, because this offers us the opportunity to give six of our top juniors the chance to gain experience against top international amateurs.”
Rebula partnered Hennie du Plessis, Kyle McClatchie and Altin van der Merwe in the first test against France.
The four players won the test, then chased down South Africa’s 16th consecutive title in the All-Africa Junior Golf Championship in Zambia, where Rebula topped the individual standings.
The quartet also claimed a top five finish in the Toyota Junior World Cup in Japan, with Rebula once again leading the challenge.
Great opportunity
“We appreciate any opportunity for our juniors to challenge at international level, because competitive experience is crucial to their development,” said SAGA president Gerhard Conradie.
“The test represents a great opportunity for the juniors to come together as a team for South Africa, but still gain experience at individual level."
Gauteng North’s junior player of the year, Rosswell Sinclair, has been named the non-travelling reserve.