The KeNako SA World Juniors Am-Am got underway in glorious weather but by the time the field had played 7 holes the weather had changed, with strong winds and rain making conditions very unpleasant. Play continued but after 10 or 11 holes a decision was made to suspend play. Under normal circumstances play would have continued, because there was no lightning, but the concern was more for the health of the players who have just flown into South Africa.
Whilst there was general disappointment that the Am-Am could not be completed, there was a fantastic vibe both before the field started and at the after golf lunch function at the KeNako Academy. The day started with tea or coffee and muffins as players booked in for the day. The shotgun start was delayed by 20 minutes to allow a few of the boys who were playing in the Am-Am to be collected at the airport and shuttled to Kingswood for the round. Whilst the focus of the day was more on seeing the course and enjoying some interaction between ‘weekend’ golfers and aspiring young professional golfers, stories abounded after the round about some spectacular golf. James du Preez, a promising young player from South Africa, started at the 14th hole and proceeded to birdie the first 4 holes that he played. He certainly impressed his playing partners. One of the recreational golfers was Dr Herman van Rooyen, KeNako’s resident sports physician; Herman managed to make a two club on the difficult 2nd Hole which is a par 4, sinking his iron played across water to the green.
The shotgun start and the fact that the fourballs had all played different holes meant that there could be no official prize winners. A decision was made to have a lucky draw, with all Am-Am players names going into the draw. As a name was drawn the player was allowed to take their pick of the prize-giving table. There were many smiling faces amongst the players – both junior and senior!
Guests at the luncheon were treated to an excellent meal prepared by KeNako’s resident chef Rob Douglas and his team. The Goose Wines were on hand to allow all non-junior players an opportunity to taste their wonderful selection of red and white wines. The weather may have limited golf but it allowed for an extended luncheon and prize giving function.
The weather forecast for the 3 days of the tournament is good, so the players will hopefully be able to enjoy the challenge of the Kingswood Golf Estate in excellent conditions.