Messina’s 1st local winner in 10 years

Over the last 10 years Messina Open held traditionally in the early part of the year could not record a local winner. Visitors have come and won the Messina Open consistently. Hilton Hughes, Stephan de Beer, Jannie Bronkhorst all taking it twice and 2 years ago Jay v/d Walt.

Not even a past winner and past provincial players could stand in the way of Juan (JJ) Botha this weekend. He played great golf on a very tough setup and under very very hot conditions. JJ came in with a 2 over par 74 on day 1 and had an overnight lead of 1 shot over Thinus Labuschagne from Chrome Golf Club.

JJ kept his composure as the players around him started making the mistakes. He returned with 82 on Sunday to take a one shot victory and earn himself 300 Thoshiba Cup points. JJ is now also in the running for the Junior Thoshiba Cup winner with only 150 odd points seperating him from Christo Stears who had a very good start to 2017. Christo went in for a foot operation and will be out for 6 weeks. This leaves the door open for JJ in 2nd place.

The junior golfers in Limpopo Province are really making their stamp this year. This boasts well for the province.

Well done once again JJ