SCOTS FIFTH IN SOUTH AFRICA'S TEN NATIONS CUP TOURNAMENT

FROM THE SGU WEBSITE

Scotland finished fifth overall at the prestigious Ten Nations Cup in South Africa, with Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie) and James White of Lundin posting top-10 finishes in the individual standings.

The Scots quartet recorded a four-round total of 22-under-par, 16 shots behind winners Australia. The four members of the SGU Men’s Performance Squad, who had tied for the lead with the Aussies after the first two rounds, finished ahead of Colombia, South Africa, Ireland and France.

White, meanwhile, fired a brilliant, flawless final round of six-under-par 66 to reach nine-under overall, a shot behind Robertson who tied for sixth. Three late bogeys blemished Robertson’s card, meaning he missed out on a place in the top five.

Fraser McKenna of Balmore was 20th overall at Kingswood Golf Estate in George, with Ross Bell (Downfield) 34th.

It came right down to the wire in the team contest, but Australia held their nerve and a spirited challenge from New Zealand to complete a historic victory at the inaugural Ten Nations Cup.

Brady Watt, Lucas Herbert, Ryan Ruffles and Geoff Drakeford combined to win the international team’s competition with a 38-under-par total of 826, finishing just a single shot clear of the Kiwis. England took third on 31 under, Argentina finished six shots back in fourth on 839.

Australia’s final round 205 was a combination of a 70 from Watt, a 69 from Drakeford and a superb six-under-par 66 from 16-year-old Herbert.

Team captain David Nable said the side was absolutely thrilled with the victory. “It’s incredible to have won the Ten Nations Cup and to have Australia’s name on the trophy,” he said. “We came over here with the hope of winning it. To have done it, is really incredible.

“It’s a very proud moment for the team. Brady shot that course record 62 on Thursday, our young 14-year-old Ryan Ruffles shot a seven-under-par on Friday and Lucas brought it home with his 66.

“We are looking forward to the SA Stroke Play next week. Hopefully Australia can have another good week in South Africa.”

Brady, who was only selected to the side last week, won the individual competition on 18-under, three shots clear of New Zealand’s Tyler Hodge and four ahead of Colombia’s Carlos Ernesto Rodriguez.Save

One of the two most prestigious tournaments on the local amateur circuit, the SA Stroke Championship has drawn entries from visiting nations, including a number of Scots. The tournament tees off at Oubaai Golf from February 12 to 15.

>> Click here for final scores from the Ten Nations Cup

* Three Scots have sealed their places at next week's WGC - Accenture Match Play Championship. The world's top 64 players qualify for the knockout event in Arizona, meaning Paul Lawrie (32), recent Dubai Desert Classic winner Stephen Gallacher (57) and Richie Ramsay (61) will all tee-up.

Gallacher, whose Foundation sponsor the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship, and Ramsay will both make their debuts in the tournament.