Mossel Bay local Martin Vorster has made locals proud by becoming the second South African in the 78-year history of the East of Ireland Amateur Open Championship to emerge a champion.
At just 17 years old, the stellar golfer from the small coastal town has stunned international competitors by coasting to a four-shot triumph in Drogheda, Ireland on Monday, June 3.
The southwest wind that blew through the course at 30 mph proved to be no obstacle for the tall and powerful junior, who carried the pride of the Western Cape as he took home the win.
Vorster is just seven days older than last year’s winner Christo Lambrecht, who is a close friend and fellow product of the Louis Oosthuizen Academy and the GolfRSA set-up funded by South Africa billionaire Johann Rupert.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Vorster, who won last year’s Junior British Open at St Andrews. “I have been close quite a bit the last few months to finally push through, I have no words. It’s a pretty amazing feeling. This is my first international senior win and it’s a big one for me. Hopefully the first of many,” he told the Irish Times.
The young golfer started his day four strokes behind County Louth’s Adam Doranon but he closed the gap and raced across the green throughout the morning, managing to overtake his competitor.
Vorster went home with a huge cup to show off and a big smile after proving the Western Cape and South Africa’s golfing skills are not to be underestimated.
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