The KPMG Madibaz team will be chasing further success when they defend their title in the University Sport South Africa tournament at Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth from June 30 to July 5.
Madibaz golfer Kyle de Beer will be one of their key players when the Nelson Mandela University side defend their title in the University Sport South Africa tournament at Humewood from June 30 to July 5. Photo: Supplied
Triumphant in Port Shepstone last year, the Nelson Mandela Bay outfit also won the title the last time the event was held in Port Elizabeth, in 2016.
Team manager Karl du Preez said they would aim to use their knowledge of the Humewood layout to retain the title.
“I think we have a distinct advantage as five of the eight Madibaz players are members of Humewood Golf Club and play and practise there on a weekly basis.
“Even the students who are not members play and practise in the links conditions, which students from other varsities seldom get the chance to experience.”
He added that they had good continuity in their team with captain Jacques Smith, Altin van der Merwe and Kyle de Beer back in the A side.
“We have lost our captain Colin Baldie, who has completed his studies,” said Du Preez. “His replacement is Pieter Zietsman, son of ex-pro Boetie Zietsman, while Drew Mathews and Gareth Larkin join the B team for the first time.”
Last year, Van der Merwe won the individual strokeplay title and was named the week’s most valuable player after earning six points out of six in the matchplay competition.
Du Preez said their preparations had been focused on competing for all the trophies on offer.
“We will be looking to take the individual strokeplay championship, the team strokeplay championship as well as the team matchplay title.”
The teams are:
Madibaz A: Kyle de Beer, Altin van der Merwe, Jacques Smith (captain), Pieter Zietsman
Madibaz B: Drew Mathews (captain), Wian van Aswegen, Tristan Naude, Gareth Larkin