PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - When two Plettenberg Bay friends, golf buddies and PGA professionals get together, sparks can fly.

This was proven by Plettenberg Bay Golf and Country Club professional Cliff Barnard and Hilltop Golf Academy's Phil le Roux who burnt up the St Francis courses during the 2023 Regional PGA Pro Pairs Tournament held on 22 and 23 July.

The pair's winning scores were 77, (and after a 'team talk') 65 and 65, at the testing St Francis Golf Club and St Francis Links. 

The format for the competition was medal and played as a greensomes in round one, scramble in round two and a better-ball in round three. Day one was played at the St Francis Golf Club and day two at the St Francis Links.

"We were seven over par through the first nine holes," said Cliff. "Walking onto the 10th hole I told Phil, 'Let's get our game together. We're both hitting the ball really well!'

"We didn't post another bogey on the card for the rest of the tournament (45 holes bogey free).

"Our success was based on staying patient, always having a ball in play and making the putts when needed."

The winner's trophy is the original trophy won by Dale Hayes when he captured the 1979 Italian Open. Hayes donated the trophy to St Francis Links and in the past three years it has been presented to the winners of the Regional Pro Pairs Tournament. 

"We are very proud of our local pros," said PBGCC chairperson Barbi May of the duo's achievement.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’