NIGEL EDWARDS WINS SOUTH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 - 13th Mar 2006

Nigel Edwards became the first Welsh winner of the South African Amateur Championship when he defeated Wong Joon Lee of Australia by 2 holes in the 36 hole final.

Wales’ other competitors reached the final 64 of the Championship with Ryan Thomas reaching the last 16, Tim Dykes the last 16 of the Godbold Bowl and Zac Gould losing in his semi final of the Godbold Bowl.

Despite missing the first 4 greens in regulation, Edwards was still all square with the big hitting Australian. Fitting in perfectly with his game, Edwards waited till the par 3 9th and using his distance control and smooth putting stroke scored a birdie two to establish a 1 hole lead. This was extended to two holes at the short 12th when Edwards holed from 40 feet again for birdie two.

Through 27 holes Edwards held a 3 hole lead. Edwards suffered a lapse of concentration, in which he lost the 10th, 11th and 12 holes. His lead now gone, Edwards once again returned to his greens and pars approach.

Having won the 14th hole with a par to retake the lead Edwards hit a superb 5 iron into the 16th and holed out from 3 feet to go 2 up. Lee was not giving up though and scored a superb birdie on the long 17th to force the match down the 18th after Edwards putt from 12 feet agonizingly hung on the edge of the hole. After a conservative tee shot, Edwards hit a majestic second to 8 feet. Lee feeling he needed to make 2 to extend the match into extra holes was a bit bold with his chip which rolled agonisingly beyond the flag into a lateral hazard. Edwards’ par was then enough to secure a two up win and the title of the 2006 SANLAM SA Amateur Champion.

Along with the title, Edwards gets exemption into the 2007 SAA SA Open to be played at Humewood Golf Club where he will play alongside double US Open Champion and defending South African Open Champion, Retief Goosen.
The victory is just reward for the considerable effort that the Welsh Golfing Union, the Sports Council for Wales through the Elite Cymru scheme and Golf Development Wales are making to achieve success on an International stage.

Related Links

• http://www.welshgolf.org.uk

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