Uncle Ernie hails Amateur winner

Two-time Open champion Ernie Els has expressed his delight about Jovan Rebula, his 20-year-old nephew, securing a spot alongside him in this year’s event at Carnoustie.

“Theopenwillbeevenmore special this year,” wrote Els, pictured, on his Twitter feed after Rebula booked his place in the line-up by becoming the first South African since Bobby Cole in 1966 to win the Amateur Championship. “See you at Carnoustie!” added the four-time major winner in a message to Rebula in the wake of his 3&2 win over Irishman Robin Dawson in Saturday’s 36-hole title decider at Royal Aberdeen.

Rebula, who was never behind in the match, has also earned spots in both the US Open and the Masters next year, but is especially excited about the first of his big opportunities. “Growing up in South Africa, the Open Championship is the major that you want to win,” he said. “I’ve never played Carnoustie. I’ve just heard about how brutal it is! I am looking forward to it. I am just going to go out and enjoy the experience.” Kinlochshiel stay two points clear at the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership despite a 0-0 draw with bottom side Skye in Portree. Newtonmore go second with a game in hand after beating Lochaber 8-1 at Spean Bridge, Evan Menzies (3), Steven Macdonald (2), Michael Russell, Drew Macdonald and Neil Stewart scoring.

Kyles Athletic and Lovat drew 1-1 at Strachurmore. Fraser Heath’s treble earned Glenurquhart a 3-3 draw with Oban Camanachd.

Kingussie will play Fort William in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals after beating Caberfeidh 3-2 at The Dell.

Craig Anderson’s penalty sent Glasgow Mid Argyll into the Balliemore Cup final, beating Fort William 3-2 in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Kilmallie reached the final with a 9-0 win over Beauly.