News - Whitelaw Cruises to Victory by 5 Shots in the
2009 PGA of SA Apprentice Championships
SPONSORED BY:

The 2009 PGA Apprentice Championships event took place at The Country Club Johannesburg on the Woodmead Course on the 11th and 12th May.

120 PGA Apprentice Members entered the Championship, now in its 16th year - to compete for the Dennis Bruyns Apprentice Championship Trophy as well as the coveted title of PGA Apprentice Champion.

This year we welcomed a new sponsor on board in the form of British International Removals, a company who specialize exclusively in the international relocation of household effects and vehicles.

Ben Nienaber, whose son Bradley is currently in his 3rd year on the Apprentice Programme - was proud to sponsor the R30 000 prize fund for the Championship.

After round 1, five players were tied on 71 and another two only 1 shot off the pace - the competition was on and heading into round 2, players needed to ensure that they brought their best games. The field was cut to 72 players - scores of 82 or better made the cut for the second day.

But it was none other than SA Open Champion, Clinton Whitelaw who streaked ahead of the pack and finished his second round on a score of 67 (with 4 birdies on the front nine and 1 on the back).
His closest rival was Hennie Rootman - 5 shots behind, who finished with a Par round.
 
From the left, Ben Nienaber
(British International Removals, Sponsor),
Dennis Bruyns (Chief Executive of the PGA of SA)
Apprentice Championship Winner-Clinton Whitelaw & Craig Ross (Chairman of the PGA of SA)

In his victory speech, Clinton expressed what a privilege it was for him to win the Apprentice Championship amongst his peers and thanked British International Removals for their sponsorship in making the Championship possible.

Top five finishers were:-

Clinton Whitelaw 71 67 =138
Hennie Rootman 71 72 =143
Regardt van Rooyen 71 74 =145
Brendon Annandale 75 70 =145
 Nico van Eeden 72 74 =146
The PGA of South Africa would like to express sincere thanks to the golf ball and prize sponsor for the event - TaylorMade, who generously sponsored a sleeve of TaylorMade TP Red Golf Balls to each participant and in addition golf travel bags to the top finishers. Taylormade also set up their latest equipment and offered a demo opportunity on the driving range for all Apprentices to try out their latest clubs.

The PGA Apprentice Championship provided us with the opportunity to showcase our new Golf SailFlag - which generated many positive comments from our members. Many have committed to promoting the Golf Sailflag at their clubs and provide income generation through advertising on the SailFlag.

Golf Sail Flag - Click here for more information

Apprentice Championship 2009 Results - CLICK HERE