Kruger claims a two-stroke victory
RUIMSIG – The 31-year-old Limpopo native is the head coach at the Colbyn Golf Park in Pretoria.
The Blue Valley golfer Pieter Kruger claimed a two-stroke victory in the IGT Tour’s first Race to Q-School, presented by Wanna Be A Champion Academy, on 7 October at Ruimsig Country Club.
Kruger closed with a one under 71 to triumph on seven-under-par 209.
Dean O’Riley’s final round 69 left him two strokes short of the target, while fellow professionals David Lamprecht and Drew Roelofze shared fourth on four under with respective rounds of 72 and 73.
Amateur Michael Pienaar returned a 73 to tie for fifth on two under alongside IGT Tour winner Joubert van Eeden (72), Jason Diab (72), TJ Bekker (74) and John McClean from Northern Ireland, who posted a 69.
Earlier rounds of 68 and 70 saw Kruger start the final round with a one-stroke lead and his advantage never came under any real threat.
“I had a birdie, bogey combination at the start and seven straight pars to reach the turn,” said the GFG Academy player.
“I picked up two more birdies at 10 and 12 and gave one back at 14, but I had a three-stroke lead with four holes to play. You can never really let your guard down, but I was pretty relaxed because I knew what I needed to do to finish it off and sealed the deal with pars at the last four holes,” explained Kruger.
He further explained that he just stayed patient throughout the tournament and his game plan for the final round was to try and limit mistakes.
The 31-year-old Limpopo native is the head coach at the Colbyn Golf Park in Pretoria. He was pretty proud to dash off to his day job with his third trophy of the country’s premier development tour clinched under the arm.
Kruger said he enjoyed having the television crew following him around.
“It’s great fun. You automatically stand a little straighter, hit it a little further and putt with more conviction when the cameras are on you,” he said.
The second IGT Tour Race to Q-School will be presented by BDGA Academy and hosted at Pecanwood Golf Estate from 12 to14 October.
Details: Cois du Plooy 078 3300 440.
Related articles:
GALLERY: Gateway Society holds annual golf day
GALLERY: Cheschire home hosts golf day
