Rebula lifts coveted Freddie Tait Cup
Jovan Rebula has underlined his growing reputation as a future world golf star when he lifted the coveted Freddie Tait Cup at the South African Open Championship on Sunday.
Competing with six other amateurs for the Tait Cup, Rebula went into the final with a two-shot overnight lead and eventually manged to win by four shots with a sixunder-par 278 at Randpark Golf Club.
"This was one of the coolest experiences of my golfing career," Rebula told the George Herald in a telephone interview. "I had my family there to support me, my putter was piping hot and I had the privilege of playing with my uncle, Ernie Els, on Saturday. I could not have asked for more and to repeat my uncle's achievement - he won the Freddie Tait Cup in 1989 - is simply unbelievable. It's really awesome to keep the family tradition going and have my name added to the past winners list."
Top South African golfers like Trevor Immelman, Charl Schwartzel, Hennie
Otto, Branden Grace, Brandon Stone and Bobby Locke have won the Freddie Tait Cup.
Rebula said this was his third attempt at winning the cup. "Since I won my first junior tournament I always dreamt of winning the Freddie Tait Cup.
With uncle Ernie claiming it 18 years ago there was always a small reminder somewhere in the back of my mind to do likewise. We do have this little friendly rivalry going on, so this achievement will send out a signal..."
Rebula said playing with his uncle, a fourtime Major winner, was unreal. "Playing a social game of golf with him is in itself wonderful. But to play together in a major tournament is very special and will stand out as one of the most amazing experiences of my career. I have a tight, strong relationship with him and he is always motivating me. He is just an awesome human being. The 18 holes went by so quickly that I was a bit disappointed when it came to an end. I could have easily played another 18 holes with him." Apart from his uncle Ernie's calming influence Rebula had his dad, Dragan, carrying his bag during the SA Open, and in close support were his mom, Carina, and granddad, Neels. "That all helped to calm the nerves."
Rebula had a great opening round of four-under 67 at Randpark's Golf Club's Bushwillow Course and followed it up with a second round one-under 70 at Firethorn. Spurred on by Els, Rebula produced a second successive round of 70 at Firethorn on day three.
"The wind, unusual for Gauteng, was tough and different from the wind we experience in the Southern
Cape. It really challenged us. I didn't strike the ball as well as I would have liked, but my putting game was on par and that saved me a couple of times."
Rebula tied for 24th alongside Chris Paisley, last year's champion. Els ended on 8-under for the tournament in 15th spot, and Mossel Bay's Louis Oosthuizen was crowned the new SA Open champion.
Rebula will spend the rest of December with his parents, family and friends in George before heading back to America on 7 January to further his studies in marketing and sport psychology at the University of Auburn.
Being crowned the best amateur at the SA Open will cap a wonderful year on the golf course for Rebula. The 21-year old former learner of Outeniqua High School also won the British Amateur Championships in June this year.