GEORGE (23 October 2013) 

The SA Senior side defeated the Madalas 8.5-3.5 to claim victory in the South African Madala Challenge played at Fancourt in George on Tuesday 22 October.

The curtain-raiser for the annual Indwe Risk Services Senior Amateur Open Championship has grown in popularity over the past few years and provides the perfect warm-up for 16 of the country’s top Super Seniors ahead of their flagship event.

The two eight-man teams went head-to-head at the Gary Player designed Outeniqua and Montagu courses, which will also host this year’s Senior Open tournament.

The SA Seniors secured an early edge when they defeated the Madalas 2.5 – 1.5 at the Outeniqua course in the morning foursomes, and it was full speed ahead in the afternoon singles.

Colin Mavuso continued the momentum for the Seniors with a 5&4 win against Hans Giessen. Skipper Lawrence Franklin added a second point with a 4&3 win over Rinus van Niekerk. Free State and Northern Cape winner Ramon Rahme claimed a 2&1 over Gavin Aswegen while 2012 Indwe SA Senior Open champion Mellette Hendrikse took their tally to four points with a 2&1 result against Steve Cullen.

Senior Order of Merit leader, Francois le Roux, downed Basil Naidoo 2&1 and Eastern Province Senior Open champion Norman Philips drove home the SA Seniors’ victory with a 1-up win against Schalk Naude.

The Madalas’ two points were secured by three-time Indwe SA Senior Open champion, Jock Wellington, who defeated Lowveld Senior Open champion Morgan Phillips and Christo Reyneke, who took William Skinner 3&2.

However it will be every man for himself when the first round of the Indwe Risk Services Senior Open tees off at the Montagu course on Wednesday.

Released on behalf of the South African Golf Association.