André Nel was ecstatic when he was selected by SAGA to participate in the June/July UK 2016 tour which coincided with the European summer holidays. He was one of 8 South African squad members who had the opportunity to compete in 4 tournaments. They spent 3 weeks in Scotland and just over a week in Wales. He competed in the Scottish Stroke Play, the Links Trophy, the British Amateur and an informal test match against teams from Scotland and Australia.
Herewith some words from Andre:
“The UK 2016 tour was a real eye opener as well as an extraordinary experience for me. Getting use to ‘Links Golf’ and the weather were probably the biggest challenges I faced whilst being there. It was (supposedly!) coming up to mid-summer and the sun goes down late at night – this made sleeping near impossible when we first arrived. Tee times near 3pm were also something I had to learn how to handle.
I felt like I played really well, excluding my first round at the Scottish Stoke Play. Royal Porthcawl is by far the most strenuous golf course I have ever played and probably the best as well. What an experience! The stretch from 13 – 18 was extremely tough with the conditions we faced. I gradually adapted to the Links way of golf and at the end I finished T34 in the Stroke Play of the British Amateur. Playing the Links Trophy at St Andrews was unbelievable. Standing on the 1st, 17th and 18th tees at St Andrews is incredible. Walking over the famous Swilken Bridge made my legs shake and my heart beat faster!
Overall I had a fantastic tour and enjoyed the experience I gained. I would just like to thank Golf RSA and the people involved for the opportunity they gave me. Money cannot buy what I learnt whilst being there.”

André Nel