Young, talented SA golfers dominate Joburg Open

18 January 2016

 

Twenty-one-year-old Johannesburg golfer Haydn Porteous became R2.6-million richer yesterday after winning the 2016 Joburg Open at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in Linkfield North.

 

The young man's top-drawer performance, which saw him peel off a 210-strong field of local and international golfers to finish three-under 69, was greeted with glee by Acting Johannesburg Mayor Councillor Mally Mokoena. MMC Mokoena said Porteous's victory demonstrated that the future of golf in Johannesburg was in good hands.

"Johannesburg is a world-class African city. It's the home of champions who are fearlessly taking on the world. The future seems bright for youngsters like Haydn," she said as she handed him the trophy. Porteous’s nearest rival was fellow South African Zander Lombard, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today (Monday January 18). Lombard finished second after a 71, which included four birdies and three bogeys. He pocketed R1.8-million for his efforts."

"Porteous’s friend, 22-year-old Brandon Stone, was the winner of the South African Open last week. Brandon and I have been playing against each other and trying to beat each other since we were kids. Watching a contemporary of mine win last week gave me the belief I could do the same. "Words can’t describe how I feel. It’s surreal to be honest,” he said.

Porteous has won many amateur tournaments , including the South African Stroke Play awards in 2012 and 2013. He was the top-ranked golfer when he turned professional in 2013.

This year's Joburg Open’s three top-ranked players - including England’s Anthony Wall, who finished third after a 72 - have also earned their place in the 145th British Open at Royal Troon in July. Stone finished in the 28th position while Ernie Els, who was playing in the Joburg Open for the first time, was placed a distant 44th after struggling to find his rhythm.