Defending champ aims at making it two in a row
Prestigious CMR Easter Open title up for grabs again.
CMR Golf Club’s most prestigious tournament that was played for the first time back in 1955 will again be hosted this Easter.
On Monday 21 April, which is Family Day, love and friendship will take a back seat when 90 players do battle in the CMR Easter Open Amateur Championship sponsored by the Golfers Club.
Hoping to win back-to-back titles is defending champion Mark van As.
The 25-year-old who will be playing in his fourth tournament this year won the title in 2013 in most dramatic fashion with a best gross total of 142. Mark started pretty disastrously in the first round with a score of 78 but clawed his way back beautifully in the second with an impressive score of 69.
“It was good to have won it for a first time. The pressure will be off now that I have succeeded but make no mistake, it won’t be easy.
“Some talented youngsters who recently joined the club will be in action come the 21st, so I have to be at my very best.”
Besides him putting up an impressive showing in this tournament last year, Mark also has won the CMR Club Championships on five occasions.
Expecting a thriller from the first tee-off is organiser of the CMR Easter Open Amateur Championship, Johan Meyer.
“I’ve said in the past that this tournament is a stepping stone for amateur golfers wishing to compete in provincial tournaments in future.
“For those trying to achieve something it’s an opportunity to shine and make a name for themselves. Most winners of this tournament eventually turn pro, so most certainly it will be some good experience for them.
“We expect perfect [weather] conditions and no rain.”
Commenting on the course he added, “The course, which is 6 364m long, looks easy but it can be tricky. It is shorter than most golf courses and people often struggle to take it apart.”
The best score ever played in this 36-hole tournament is 132 (66 per round) set by 2011 winner John McClean.
Johan concluded that, “Entries are still open, but closes on Friday 11 April at noon. Those interested to compete can contact me on 082 852 2366.”
