SCOTLAND LEAD SOUTH AFRICA 2-1 IN GOLF TEST AT PRESTWICK

FROM THE SGU WEBSITE

Scotland achieved a 2-1 lunchtime lead over South Africa following the opening foursomes of their international Test Match at Prestwick Golf Club this morning.

Leading male amateurs from the respective countries are meeting in a return Test over the historic links of Ayrshire today and tomorrow, with the home side seeking back-to-back victories in the contest.

It is the first time the teams have met on Scottish soil, but the fourth occasion in all, as a result of the Scots’ recent visits to the Rainbow Nation thanks to the fantastic support of sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management and South African businessman Johann Rupert.

After defeating the South Africans at Leopard Creek in February, the Scots hold the early advantage at Prestwick – but their lead could have been even greater in the six-man team format.

Fraser McKenna (Balmore) and James White (Lundin) dove-tailed brilliantly to quickly win the third match of the morning, defeating Drikus Bruyns and Gert Myburgh 5 and 4.

McKenna, twice a winner on the domestic circuit this season, holed a 20 feet putt for birdie at the eighth and also sunk a stunning 40 feet eagle putt at the par-5 12th as the Scots cruised to victory without losing a hole.

The top match was far tighter as Glenbervie’s Graeme Robertson, third at Sunday’s St Andrews Links Trophy, and Paul Shields (Kirkhill) battled out with Shaun Smith and Charles Du Plessis.

The home side held a one-hole lead going up the 18th, but a brilliant sand save from the South Africans saw them make birdie and earn a half.

Leven Golfing Society’s South African Amateur champion Brian Soutar and team-mate Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) looked in commanding form to go three up on Haydn Porteous, the South African Stroke Play winner, and Jean-Paul Strydom with four to play.

But another late rally from the South Africans, again involving a birdie at the short 284yd par-4 18th, meant a halved match also.

FIRST DAY RESULTS

FOURSOMES (2-1)

Scotland players firfst

Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie) and Paul Shields (Kirkhill) halved with Shaun Smith and Charles du Plessis.

Fraser McKenna (Balmore) and James White (Lundin) bt Drikus Bruyns and Gert Myburgh 5 and 4.

Brian Soutar (Leven GS) and Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) halved with Haydn Porteous and Jean-Paul Strydom

SINGLES TIES

Robertson v Porteous
Soutar v Du Plessis
Shields v Smith
Dunton v Bruyns
McKenna v Myburgh
White v Strydom