SA Juniors set for international challenge
- GolfRSA
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
GolfRSA is pleased to announce the selection of 10 of South Africa’s most promising young golfers to represent the country in three prestigious international junior championships this June.
Central Gauteng’s Casey Twidale, Dewan de Bruin from Southern Cape and Gauteng North quartet Lourenda Steyn, Phenyo Sebata and brothers Roelof and Cilliers Craig will represent South Africa in the 32nd Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan from 23-26 June.
Western Province duo Kaitlyn van de Vyver and Codi Ruiters will compete in the Ciputra Golfpreneur Junior World Championship in Indonesia from 10-12 June alongside Amy Stanton from Central Gauteng and Boland’s Devin Petersen.
The six players heading to Japan already enjoyed success together this year, helping South Africa secure a clean sweep of the boys and girls titles at the All Africa Junior Team Championships in Kenya in March.
“We are proud to see these talented young golfers earn the opportunity to represent South Africa on some of the biggest stages in junior golf,” said South African Golf Association President Peet van Schalkwyk.
“Their performances throughout the season and particularly at the All Africa Junior Team Championships, have demonstrated both their ability and their character. International competition provides an invaluable learning experience and we are confident they will embrace the challenge, compete with pride and continue to grow as players and ambassadors for South African golf.”
Womens Golf South Africa President Madeleine de Wet will manage the South African Girls Team in Japan, while Southern Cape Golf Union Director of Golf Heinrich Lourens will oversee the Boys Team. Former Womens Golf South Africa President Susan Andrew will accompany the four-player team travelling to Indonesia.
“Dewan and Roelof gained valuable experience at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup last year and we are delighted that Casey, Cilliers, Lourenda and Phenyo will now have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s leading junior golfers,” said De Wet.
“This championship consistently attracts outstanding talent from across the globe and offers an exceptional platform for personal growth and international exposure. Experiences like these help shape future champions, both on and off the golf course.”
Before travelling to Japan, Twidale, Steyn and Sebata will compete in the prestigious ANNIKA Invitational Europe presented by Ahlsell, hosted by major champion Annika Sörenstam at Upsala Golf Club in Sweden from 16-18 June.
“Competing in Sweden before heading to Japan gives our girls an additional opportunity to measure themselves against elite international fields and gain valuable experience in different conditions,” De Wet added. “Exposure to events of this calibre is a vital part of their development pathway.”
Van de Vyver and Stanton, both members of the GolfRSA National Women’s Squad and South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) pair Petersen and Ruiters will make their debut in Jakarta, where they will compete in both the individual and team competitions.
“Over the years, we have seen first-hand how these international championships contribute to the development of young South African golfers,” said GolfRSA CEO and SAGDB Managing Director Grant Hepburn.
“Many players who represented South Africa at these events have gone on to enjoy success at the highest levels of amateur and professional golf. The opportunity to compete against the world’s best juniors, experience different cultures and perform under international pressure is invaluable.”
Recent DP World Tour winner Casey Jarvis was a member of South Africa’s victorious Toyota Junior Golf World Cup team in 2014 alongside Korn Ferry Tour winner and former world No 1 amateur Christo Lamprecht and Sunshine Tour champions Martin Vorster and Sam Simpson.
Ladies European Tour champion and Sunshine Ladies Tour Order of Merit winner Casandra Alexander, as well as Sunshine Ladies Tour winners Caitlyn Macnab, Danielle du Toit, Cara Gorlei and Kiera Floyd, all competed in Jakarta during their amateur careers. Former SAGDB players Franklin Manchest, Kieron van Wyk and Cole Stevens also used the championship as a springboard to higher honours.
“With competitors from more than 20 countries, including traditional golfing powerhouses such as the United States, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, these championships provide an outstanding benchmark for our players,” Hepburn said.
“Each member of these teams has shown tremendous potential over the past year. We are excited to see them challenge themselves on the international stage, gain valuable experience and continue their journey towards achieving their golfing ambitions.”
The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup will be played on the Ishino Course at Chukyo Golf Club in Japan, while the Ciputra Golfpreneur Junior World Championship will be contested at Damai Indah Golf’s Pantai Indah Kapuk Course in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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