Since the IGT Challenge Tour launched in 2010, it has grown into South Africa\u2019s premier golf development circuit that offers a tailor-made gateway for amateurs aspiring to join the professional ranks.<\/p>\n
The challenge enables members and non-members to perform at a high level in a strong competitive environment.<\/p>
The tour is recognised as a feeder circuit for the Sunshine Tour and provides significant financial opportunities, incentives and statistical feedback with a full playing schedule of 36-hole, 54-hole and 72-hole tournaments.<\/p>\n
The annual schedule also includes a series of events at the end of the season geared at preparing prospective amateurs and young professionals for the gruelling stages of Qualifying School.<\/p>
Last Monday, October 30, golfers tackled the Germiston Golf Club in the IGT Challenge Tour\u2019s fourth Race to Q-School.<\/p>\n
Sandton amateur Luke Brown carded a stunning nine-under-par 63 in the opening round to take pole position.<\/p>\n
Playing the course blind, the 19-year-old took advantage of the sunny morning conditions to open up a four shot lead over rookie Zabastian de Jager.<\/p>\n
Kyle Lucas was five off the pace, while Korea\u2019s Eric Park shared fourth on three under with rookie Peetie van der Merwe and South Africa\u2019s number one ranked amateur Kyle McClatchie.<\/p>\n
Brown hit 16 greens in regulation as he went around the par-72 layout in clinical fashion.<\/p>\n
He produced six birdies on the front loop and, despite a three-putt bogey at 10, maintained the momentum with four more gains on the back nine.<\/p>\n
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Thirion celebrates international win<\/a><\/p>\n Busy week for Luso Africa<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The teenager was over the moon with his score.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d had offered me seven under at the start of the day I would have ripped your hand off,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cEven though we had placing and it won\u2019t be official, it was one shot better than the course record, and two shots better than my previous best at Ruimsig Country Club during the scratch league final two years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never played this course before and perhaps that\u2019s why I played it so well.<\/p>\n \u201cI just played the course hole by hole, shot for shot and my ball striking was on point and I putted very well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The 2017 season has been a baptism of fire for Brown.<\/p>\n After matriculating from Bryanston High School last year, he began campaigning on the country\u2019s premier golf development tour in January, but his lack of experience showed.<\/p>\n \u201cI used to play the junior amateur circuit in the school holidays, but I didn\u2019t compete on the national amateur circuit once I started high school,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI battled at the start, but I\u2019ve definitely improved as I\u2019ve gained experience and I\u2019ve finished in the money six times in 12 starts since April, including the last two events.<\/p>\n \u201cI played the Ekurhuleni Open in Benoni last month and I was stoked to tie for 13th,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n Spurred on by fellow Central Gauteng amateur Cameron Moralee, who became the fifth amateur winner this season in last week\u2019s third Race to Q-School title at Ruimsig Country Club, Brown is hopeful of a maiden victory but trying to keep a level head.<\/p>\n The next round will be held at Centurion Country Club on November 6.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n