#TuksGolf: Duo share Wingate Challenge lead

Posted on August 22, 2017

Jade Buitendag from Border staked a claim on the share of the first round lead in the Wingate Challenge with a sizzling six-under-par 66 on Monday.

The East London native leads the way at Wingate Park Country Club alongside local favourite Ruan Korb.

The pair finished two shots clear of seasoned campaigner Pieter Moolman (HPC/TuksGolf), Michael Schutz and amateur Eric Nel (HPC/TuksGolf), while former IGT Challenge Tour winner Dean O’Riley and Teagan Moore (HPC/TuksGolf) lurk three off the pace.

In his last visit to Wingate in July, Buitendag carded rounds of 71 and 77 and finished the 54-hole tournament with a disappointing 80. Today he produced seven birdies. “The difference was that I hit it very well off the tee today and gave myself a lot of chances,” he said. “I rolled the ball really well and that’s how the 66 happened.”

Buitendag joined the KeNako Golf Academy in George as an up-and-coming amateur in 2014 and represented South African and Southern Cape, but two months ago, he relocated to Pretoria and joined the HPC/TuksGolf Academy.

“I started campaigning on the IGT Challenge Tour at the end of June,” said Buitendag. “I’m working on swing changes with Llewellyn van Leeuwen at Tuks and it is so great to have a strong circuit up here where I can stay competitive.

“I heard about the IGT Challenge Tour from Breyten Meyer and Heinrich Bruiners. Meyer graduated to the Sunshine Tour two years ago and Heinrich is part of the Gary Player Class of 2017 that regularly compete on the IGT Challenge Tour. It was the logical next step on my journey to the Sunshine Tour.

“It’s all been a pretty major adjustment, but I knew changing my swing would mean hard times. Anytime you change your swing, you have to follow a process. I don’t get too hung up on the occasional bad round. When you focus on the process, the results will come – its par for the course. It’s always a difficult road, but success is never easy.”

Korb has been in threatening form since May and the 24-year-old Silver Lakes golfer made a promising start with successive rounds of 66 the Woodhill Challenge last week, but he spoiled his chance of capturing a maiden title on the country’s premier golf development circuit when he signed off with a 79.
Still, Korb has climbed to fifth on the Official Money List, courtesy of seven top 10 finishes in the last nine weeks, including a tie for third at Wingate in July. Another top 10 finish at Woodhill as only strengthened his resolve to get the monkey off his back.

“You have to go through a learning curve to win, but I am pretty patient,” he said. “My main goal this season was to put myself into contention and to gain as much consistency as possible. As long as I achieve my goals, I’m happy. The win will come if I give myself constant chances.”

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ABOUT THE IGT TOUR

Since the IGT Challenge Tour was launched in 2010, it has grown into South Africa’s premier golf development circuit that offers a tailor-made gateway for amateurs aspiring to join the pro ranks.
As the recognised feeder circuit for the Sunshine Tour, the IGT Challenge Tour provides significant financial opportunities, incentives and statistical feedback with a full playing schedule of 36-hole, 54-hole and 72-hole tournaments.

The IGT Challenge Tour enables its members and non-members to perform at a high level in a strong competitive environment. The annual schedule also includes a series of events at the end of the season geared at preparing prospective amateurs and young professionals for the gruelling stages of Qualifying School.

- Author Lali Stander on behalf of the IGT Challenge Tour.

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