Taiwan triumphs at BMW Golf Cup International World Final at Fancourt

South Africa were denied victory in the cruellest of fashion at the 2019 BMW Golf Cup International World Final at the picturesque Fancourt Golf Resort.

The BMW Golf Cup International, the largest amateur golf series in the world, saw around 100 000 hopeful golfers compete in various qualifying tournaments around the globe for the honour of representing their country at the final which was once again staged at the Gary Player-designed Outeniqua and Montagu golf courses.

All told, around 100 golfers, competing in 3-player teams - men's 'A' handicap 0-12, men's 'B' handicap 13-28 and ladies handicap 0-28 - from 33 nations did battle over 54 holes (18 at Outeniqua Golf Course and 36 at the Montagu layout).

When play concluded and the cumulative scores of each player were tallied, South Africa and Taiwan were dead-locked in a tie for first place.

Alas, there could only be one winner and Team South Africa found themselves on the wrong end of the count-out, handing Taiwan overall victory to go with their 2015 success.

It was cruel luck for the patriotic South African trio who were looking to emulate their victorious compatriots from both 2012 and 2013.

With the weather perfect and Fancourt in sublime condition, it was a memorable week's golf for those in attendance.

Adding to the occasion was a clinic held by BMW guest of honour, Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, who brought along a 'friend' - the Ryder Cup trophy itself!

Montgomerie is wildly regarded as one of the Ryder Cup's greatest ever players. He was a member of the European team on eight occasions - and was never on the losing end of a singles match. He holds a win-lose-draw record of 20-9-7 and was also the European team's captain in their 2010 triumph at Celtic Manor.

In addition to his Ryder Cup exploits, Montgomerie, now 56, won a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles - including seven in a row from 1993-1999 - a feat surely never to be surpassed.

Now competing successfully on the Champions Tour against South Africa's very own Ernie Els and Retief Goosen among others, Montgomerie graciously took time to offer his insights to eager amateurs looking to lower their handicaps.

Those following his every word will no doubt be putting into practice the expert advice offered off the tee, from the fairway and around the greens when they next tee it up at their local courses. 

Sport24 congratulates all the winners and the organisers on yet another 5-star experience.

Colin Montgomerie poses with members of Team South Africa - and the Ryder Cup - at the BMW Golf Cup International World Final prize giving (Supplied)