Wesley Vorster and Ferdi Theron’s paths would probably never have crossed were it not for their exceptional performances at the 2024 GolfRSA Race to the R&A 9 Hole Challenge National Final.

After four rounds at magnificent Mooinooi, Vorster from Eshowe Hills in KwaZulu-Natal topped the leaderboard, and Theron, who plays out of Bultfontein Golf Club in the Free State, finished a close second.

That effort earned the pair of South African amateurs the most incredible trip to The Open Championship at Royal Troon in July.

“It’s tough to put into words what I got out of a couple of nine-hole rounds,” said Theron. “I mean, I’m just a farmer from the Free State who loves golf. I liked the concept, because it takes a lot less time than a traditional round, so I entered the competition. It earned me a trip of a lifetime.

“Never did I imagine I would ever attend an Open Championship, let alone get to play the course before the pros and watch the action from the galleries. I still get goosebumps talking about it.”

Vorster, who is in agricultural sales, agreed. “When I got back, the whole Eshowe golf club turned up to celebrate my win, because it’s something every amateur dreams of doing. To play golf in Scotland was amazing. The R&A 9 Hole Challenge was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and to be able to watch a Major with my wife was indescribable. It was a dream experience I will never forget.”

Vorster and Theron flew the South African flag against the best qualifiers from Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and Wales at the unique nine-hole event, and their account of their experience bubbles with enthusiasm.

“We flew into Glasgow expecting legendary Scottish summer weather, and there was our boertjie Ferdi waiting in shorts and slops, saying it was minus-eight in Bloemfontein when he left, so 16 was quite pleasant!

“Our hotel was next to Royal Troon, and that iconic 18th hole was just a few paces away. We got five-star, red-carpet treatment throughout. We met Kevin Barker, head of Golf Development and the big player behind the 9 Hole Challenge, and Neil Donaldson, the captain of the R&A, and the hospitality was legendary.

“One of the first highlights was touching the Claret Jug. I’m not sure a lot of people know this, but the original Claret Jug never leaves St Andrews. Some years ago, Tom Watson dropped it and it got damaged, so they made four replicas. Even The Open winner gets handed a replica, but I can tell you it doesn’t even matter. To hold a Claret Jug is the stuff of dreams.

“We played a practice round at Barassie, Kilmarnock. Our introduction to Scottish links golf was a big awakening. It’s much more challenging to what we play at home. There was some genuine panic before the competition as we tried to figure out what to do and how to do it.”

Vorster and Theron got to walk the course before they teed it up at the main event.

“It was a far cry from the farm. Walking it after it was set up was mind-blowing. The stands make it more intimidating. And just to see the bunkers up close was another wow moment. We ended up sitting on the grandstand on the 18th with sundowners, taking it all in,” said Theron.

The competitors played the first five holes and the last four at the R&A 9 Hole Challenge.

“The vibe is massive. You haven’t even teed off and you’re nervous, it’s really special,” said Vorster. “Then they call you up to the tee, just like they do at The Open. We played the first five holes with the wind. They aren’t long holes, so you could go with irons off the tees, and all you’re trying to do is avoid the bunkers. They are horrific – like two metres deep, and if you’re up against the face, you’re basically hitting out sideways or even backwards.

“The greens were firm and fast, so were playing up well short. We were getting on average 20 to 30 metres of roll on our shots. It was tricky judging distance and factoring in the roll. We’re used to attacking the pins in South Africa, getting backspin. That doesn’t happen there! We struggled going with the wind, but when we turned into the wind from the 15th we could start flexing our muscles and use our drivers and 3-woods. With the wind holding up the ball a bit more, we scored well.

“What an experience. Although there weren't any people around, it felt as if there were thousands watching us and cameras following us. I was proud of us finishing in the top 10. Obviously, the Irish, Scots and English performed well, but at least we beat the Aussies and the Kiwis!”

For both players, the closing hole at Royal Troon was the most special, at their event and during The Open.

“It’s a wonderful hole and is quite long. As you come up to the green, you’ve got the stands on either side, like a tunnel. It’s extremely intimidating and to have birdied that hole was one of the most special moments for me,” said Vorster. “I felt like that’s what I’d come for. It made the whole experience that much more special.

“It’s so different to what we’re used to. You have to be creative and visualise your shots; think about how they roll through the fairways, how to stay out of the bunkers, how to roll up to the greens or if you can attack the pin, missing the bunkers, rolling up on to the greens and attacking the pin. It really is different.”

Vorster and Theron got in some more links golf experience at Dundonald Links before their Open experience started with the practice rounds.

“What an experience to watch some of the top players, and to see how they approach the same holes. If the wind isn’t blowing, it’s too easy for them. We walked with Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, and it was great to shoot the breeze with Altin van der Merwe, SA’s top amateur. Later, we sat on the Postage Stamp and saw Tiger almost get a hole-in-one!” said Theron.

The experience created two new fans of nine-hole rounds as well as converts to links golf, which is the aim of the R&A 9-Hole Challenge.

“We are extremely grateful to GolfRSA who allowed us to have this experience, to our sponsors who made it possible and to the R&A for treating us the way they did. For any golfer, this was a big dream come true. We appreciated every minute of it,” said Vorster.

GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn agrees: “We see a bright future for the GolfRSA Race to the R&A 9 Hole Challenge, not only in growing the number of nine-hole rounds, but also in the competitiveness of the event with such great prizes on offer.”

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IMAGES: OCTAVIO PASSOS/R&A/R&A VIA GETTY IMAGES/GOLFRSA/SUPPLIED