MITCH PHIGELAND MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW!

Mitch Phigeland

Clovelly Champion – Mitch Phigeland

The Clovelly Open: A Spectacular Winter Golf Display

On this blistering cold morning, the Clovelly valley was overshadowed by thick frost. The 10th Open Championship of the season was about to commence, marking the near end of a spectacular season. Dressed in winter gear, 87 players embarked on their journey to compete in one of the most prestigious pit stops on the Premier Amateur Tour.

Despite receiving 75 mm of rain in three days, Clovelly Country Club was in mint condition. Round 1 saw only three players breaking par, with Shaun le Roux (Westlake) posting a commendable 68. His round included birdies on holes 2, 6, 8, 9, and 18, with a single drop shot on hole 7. Three shots off the pace were Joshua Wiese (Atlantic Beach Links) and Mitch Phigeland (Atlantic Beach Links), both posting 71 rounds.

As the afternoon winter sun shook off the ice layer, the players warmed up, producing stellar golf. It was a tight race, with only three shots separating the champion and 4th place. In the end, Mitch Phigeland, level-headed and a two-time champion this year, excelled on the last nine holes. Recording birdies on holes 14, 15, and 17, Mitch outwitted playing partner Daniel Copeman by one shot. Posting a 69 final round, Mitch claimed his third trophy of the season.

Daniel Copeman, who has had an impressive run in the last few tournaments, is knocking on the door to claim his maiden victory. A solid performance earned him the runner-up position. A double bogey on hole 14 cost him dearly, but he bounced back with three birdies in his last four holes, a sign of a true champion.

The women’s division was a two-tale story with Bobbi Brown (Steenberg), last week’s champion, and Jordan Rothman (Durbanville) battling it out for first place. Bobbi took the early lead after round 1, posting a 72. However, the afternoon session saw a turn of events. Bobbi lost momentum, starting with two bogeys in her first four holes, followed by a bogey on 13 and an uncharacteristic double on 14. A lonely birdie was recorded on hole 16.

Jordan’s second round was a seesaw round with 6 pars, 6 birdies, and 6 bogeys, signing for a score of 72, winning by two shots.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and players for making the Premier Amateur Tour a success. We look forward to more thrilling golf in the seasons to come.

Report by: Robert Scott

 

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