The Southern Cape Amateur Open victory in August put an exclamation mark behind the meteoric rise of the Ballito-based golfer, who cemented his status as a player to watch with a two-shot win thanks to rounds of 71, 64 and 72 at Plettenberg Bay Country Club.

The 20-year-old started the season in 14th place in the GolfRSA Open Amateur rankings and was delighted to hold the No 1 spot for three weeks. “I’ve had a lot of seconds too... so to be winning frequently is a great feeling. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and it’s great to see all that effort pay off,” said Arthur.

Golf is part of the family’s DNA and now it's further enshrined given what has transpired of late.

“For as far back as I remember, it was always my grandfather Tom. From when I was as young as three years old, he would pick me up and take me with him to Prince’s Grant,” says Arthur of his earliest influence and introduction into golf.

“We were actually talking about it the other day; he says I was always running around, and I loved the bunkers and running in the sand. I guess I did practise a few bunker shots, but it was a special way to get connected to the game.”

Now he is part of the production line of talent coming out of the Grant Veenstra Golf Academy that includes South Africa’s top-ranked professional Christiaan Bezuidenhout and current No 1 amateur Jordan Burnand.

“Keagan Beyer has been a good fit for me and my game. He's helped a lot and then, obviously, Grant has also been super influential.”

Arthur is not only working hard on the technical side of his game, but has also sought the advice of Kevin Stone, well-known for his own record as well as that of his son, three-time DP World champion, Brandon Stone.

“Kevin has had a big influence in my game recently. There’s a lot of learning about my thinking on the course... where to hit it to and where to avoid. He’s been instrumental in my progress over the past year. The work with him combines so well with how my dad has helped my mental side. Without even knowing it, he plays a big role in my thinking. He is the best at getting me in the right frame of mind, which has been key.

“I’m very grateful to have the support of my mom and dad. It’s set me up nicely for this next phase of my career.”

Arthur’s success in golf should come as no surprise given his early start in the game as well as his ability to pick up a sport with relative ease.

“I played provincial hockey and dabbled in cricket, squash, soccer and even a bit of tennis, and in my free time I like to put a line in the water. It’s great because no matter the time of year, there's something exciting to fish for like stingrays in summer and cob in the winter. It’s also great as a family and we all enjoy it.”

Arthur doesn’t put his rise in the game down to a purple patch of form or just one particular aspect of his game, but rather a collective effort.

“Golf is a team sport these days ... from the swing coach, to the physical trainer to the mental coach. I’ve been surrounded by people who are really, really good at their jobs and help place me in the best possible position. It’s a lot of hard work with long hours in the game, but it’s worth it.

“My team is fantastic and I think of my game as a product of them. Keagan is so relatable; my personal trainer Clinton Sharm knows how to get the most out of me and our squad sports psychologist Theo Bezuidenhout is a legend who helps put things in perspective.

“At the top of it all is my faith in God, which has grown stronger in the past year. My abilities and accomplishments are from Him and belong to Him.”

Arthur highlights his victory at the MCB Indian Ocean Open in Mauritius as a standout. He defeated French professional and local favourite Pierre Pellegrin on the first playoff hole after the pair tied on two-under 214 at Anahita Golf Club.

“GolfRSA gave me the opportunity to compete in Mauritius, and to win such a big event on the international stage was pretty special. That, and the Western Province Amateur title in April, are probably at the top of the pile for me."

His other podium finishes this year include the Duncan Baxter Cup and the KZN Closed.

“It was nice to top the rankings, but it’s not everything and it isn’t changing how I approach the game and my long-term ambitions. I'm grateful to be in this position, but it’s one step at a time.Who knows what will happen for the rest of the year if I manage to keep playing well.”

With five wins in five months, a solid team around him and a place in the GolfRSA National Squad, few can doubt that Astin doesn’t have what he needs for long-term success.

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IMAGES: GOLFRSA/MCB INDIAN OCEAN OPEN