NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ROSS DUNCAN OF SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
Scotland trailed a strong South African side 8½ - 3½ at the close of play on day one of the Test Match at Leopard’s Creek Country Club before thunder and lightning halted play with two matches remaining on the course.
Kilmarnock (Barassie) youngster Jack McDonald, the reigning Scottish Boys Stroke Play Champion, was the star of the Scots side on the opening day, claiming a half point alongside Scott Gibson in the morning foursomes before comfortably winning his singles match 4&2.
Mark Bookless and Gordon Yates were Scotland’s other winning duo in the morning with a 2&1 victory over their opponents, with the pairings of Paul Shields/Kris Nicol and Glenn Campbell/Steven McEwan both losing by a 4&3 margin.
Former national champion Glenn Campbell was the only other victor for the visitors in the afternoon singles with Gordon Yates one up with two to play in the closing match.
17-year-old Gibson lost by one hole in his match, the same margin of defeat as Paul Shields, as the Scots closed the day trailing by five.
National junior coach Spencer Henderson, who is out with the squad, reflected on the opening day’s performance:
“We’re obviously disappointed to be trailing in the match but it’s been a fantastic experience for the players, particularly the young lads who have performed very well. The course is superb but it’s much hotter than we’re used to (36 degrees) so it’s taking time to get used to.
“With our four leading amateurs playing in the Nations Cup, the South African training camp has given us the opportunity to develop some of our up and coming players, who are competing against a very strong host side in the peak of their season.”
“It was great to see Jack (McDonald) and Scott (Gibson) performing so well on their senior debut and the experience of guys like Glenn is really helping them. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow, with an early start because of the weather, and hopefully the team will make up some ground.”
he added.
Day One Results :-
Morning Foursomes
J McDonald & S Gibson halved match
P Shields & K Nicol lost by 4&3
M Bookless & G Yates won by 2&1
G Campbell & S McEwan lost by 4&3
Morning Singles
G Paterson lost by 1 hole
Afternoon Singles
J McDonald won by 4&2
S Gibson lost by 1 Hole
G Paterson lost by 4&3
K Nicol lost by 4&3
P Shields lost by 1 hole
S McEwan lost by 5&4
G Campbell won by 4&3
M Bookless 1 down after 16
G Yates 1 up after 16
Latest Score
South Africa 8.5 – 3.5 Scotland
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