MITCHELL, MAYO ONE STEP CLOSER TO PAID RANKS

THOSE who’ve been there describe Q School as the most intense, even nauseating, kind of pressure they’ve faced on the golf course.

This year the Sunshine Tour’s Q School, held at Maccauvlei GC and Eagle Canyon CC, was no different – and it was only Stage 1.

There’s still the main event to come, at Houghton in March next year.

Malcolm Mitchell (Kloof CC) and Luke Mayo (Mount Edgecombe CC) will be there, having done enough at Maccauvlei to qualify for the next stage. Clayton Mansfield (Durban CC) missed out, having a rare off week.

None of the other players with KZN links were really expected to get through.

The top 14 players and ties from Eagle Canyon secured their spots, while the top 16 players and ties at Maccauvlei went through.

Mayo finished tied for 8th on scores of 74, 69, 67 and 73. Mitchell was tied for 12th, two shots back, on scores of 71, 72, 70 and 72.

Mayo enjoyed the experience, despite some jangling nerves.

“It’s obviously very intimidating, because you know it’s only the top 15 or so that are going through so it’s all or nothing,” he said.

Mayo was four over par after 14 holes on the first day and tidied up well to return a 74.

The following two rounds showed that he may just have what it takes to compete at this level with rounds of 67 and 69. The final round was a bit of a crazy ride, with two eagles offset by six bogeys.

Mitchell echoed many of his thoughts.

“It was definitely the most pressure situation I have experienced on a golf course,” he said.

This from a player who has represented South Africa around the world, someone who has won tournaments and played in several Interprovincial tournaments.

“It’s an on-the-day pressure, where you simply have to perform,” he said.

He started well and then, at stages, found himself going backwards, much to his alarm.

“I had to dig deep and figure out a way to get the job done, get back on track. I was pleased that I was able to do that,” he said.

“Stage 1 was a great experience and now I’m looking forward to Houghton next year, no doubt it’ll be an exciting time,” he said.

Matt Saulez (Durban CC) avoided having to get through Stage 1 due to his high national ranking.

He was more than a bit relieved, especially when he saw Mansfield having an off-week and failing to progress.

“It was awesome about Malcolm and Luke, but a bit pity about Clay,” he said.

Mansfield missed by five, not helping his cause with an opening 78, followed up by a pair of 76s.

He showed his talent with a final round 68, but it was not enough.

“Just wasn’t a great week for me. I really struggled to get going and got behind the 8-ball early on and couldn’t get back,” he said.

He still has a chance though to get to the second stage, but would need to play IGT events in Johannesburg and finish in the top 15 of the Order of Merit.

It’s a tough ask, but not impossible. If there’s ever been a player who looks, dresses and swings like a pro, it’s Mansfield.

Saulez, meanwhile, is looking forward to playing in the forthcoming South African Open at Rand Park GC from December 6 to 9.

“That should be fantastic,” he enthused, happy in the knowledge that he does not need to pre-qualify.

Pre-qualifying tournaments will be held at Modderfontein GC, CMR Golf Club and CCJ Rocklands.