Els, rookie nephew ‘birdies’ of the same feather

Ernie Els and his rookie nephew Jovan Rebula were all smiles after playing together in the third round of the SA Open.

Els‚ a five-time SA Open champion played with his nephew‚ who is the leading amateur with one round to go and it was clear the pair enjoyed each other’s company.

“Really special and I think as time goes on‚ we will reflect on this day‚” Els said.

“He is a youngster, so it might not settle in yet with him, but knowing the kid since he was in nappies and now playing the South African Open is special.”

“This must be one of the quickest rounds of golf I’ve ever played‚” Rebula sighed.

“For me‚ it was a dream to be able to play with my uncle one day. It doesn’t matter where it is, but especially the SA Open.”

What made their round even more special was that they both seemed to cope with the tricky conditions.

Despite the testing wind, Els and Rebula carded very respectable scores of 68 and 70.

“I feel we spurred each other on‚” noted Els.

“I mean‚ I birdied the first and Jovan birdied the second and the third. I got the fourth and he got the fifth. I mean‚ we birdied a lot of holes.

“It would have been a great best ball‚ I can promise you that. It must have probably been a 62 in best ball. It was great to see my sister out there‚ and Dragan caddying for Jovan. As parents‚ they must be so proud‚ and as an uncle‚ I’m just as proud.

“We played well. Obviously‚ I had a very frustrating finish, but Jovan finished very well.

“It was a tough day but I felt Jovan really kept it together. He’s playing for the Freddie Tait trophy and I’m trying to win the open again.”

After the third round, Rebula was on five-under – two shots clear of Deon Germishuys – as the leading amateur.

“I’m fully aware that his name (Els) is on that trophy. It’s been a goal of mine to be able to just make the cut‚ first of all‚ at the South African Open,” Rebula said. –