CAPE TOWN, 22 February 2019 – For third successive year, the South African flag was raised at the South African Amateur Championship after South Africa’s top ranked Wilco Nienaber won the country’s most coveted amateur title on Friday.

In a gripping final round then went the distance at King David Mowbray Golf Club, the world number 59 was ruthlessly tested by 16-year-old Jordan Duminy in the 36-hole final.

The 2018 Amateur Championship qualifier winner was undoubtedly the favourite going into the final day, but unheralded Duminy showed maturity beyond his years to knock out two top Irish golfers to reach the final and he never backed off in the last clash.

On the back foot for most of the final, an uncharacteristic fist-pump after he holed a par-putt at the 36th hole to beat Duminy 1-up, signalled Nienaber’s joy and relief at achieving a lifelong dream.

“It is such an honour for me to lift this trophy,” he said.

“At the start of the week I said that I rated this championship higher than the runner-up finish in the Brabazon Trophy or winning the qualifier at the Amateur Championship last year. It’s been a dream for many years and I am overjoyed that I finally achieved it.”