‘I can mix it with the best’

Carnoustie – Despite not producing the results he wanted this week at The Open, South Africa’s young amateur Jovan Rebula (above) is convinced he can compete with the world’s best golfers.

Rebula, 20, carded rounds of 79, 79 to miss the cut, but the future is indeed bright for the nephew of Ernie Els.

“I didn’t hit the ball the way I normally do, or putt the way I usually do. I know when I’m on my game I know I can compete with these guys,” he said yesterday.

“On the first tee it was like any other tournament. It’s very nerve-wracking. I feel I handled myself well this week with the kind of golf I was playing. I kept my composure, I just kept a good mentality right through the week.

“The result wasn’t what we wanted, but I could see myself playing at this stage one day. This was just a week where I didn’t have my best stuff. I’m very excited for what the future holds.”

Rebula booked his ticket to The Open by winning the British Amateur Championship at Royal Aberdeen last month. In fact, the youngster had never even attended a Major before.

Next up for Rebula, who turns 21 tomorrow, is playing in the US amateur next month.

“I’ll be going back home now after this and then going to play the US amateur at Pebble Beach, which starts on the 13th. So I’ve got a lot of hard work that’s lying in front of me, and I’m going to go back home, take a couple days off, and then start working on my game.”

With a four-time Major-winner in Els for an uncle, Rebula acknowledged the phenomenal support he has received.

“I have to thank the Ernie Els and Fancourt foundation and GolfRSA for their support during my career. And of course my uncle Ernie who is here this week. He has been a mentor for me growing up. And I have to thank Mr Johann Rupert and Grant Hepburn for all their work to support amateur golf in South Africa.”

As for turning professional, for the golfer studying business and sports coaching at college in Alabama, that can wait for now.

“I won’t be turning pro yet. I’m planning finishing school first, so not next year but the year after that (2020).” – ANA

I kept my composure, I just kept a good mentality right through the week. Jovan Rebula South African amateur