New home for Dimension Data Pro-Am
New home for Dimension Data Pro-Am
For its 15th playing, the Dimension Data Pro-Am has upped its roots and will settle at its new home on the three courses at Fancourt from 11-14 February 2010.
And it also celebrates by boosting its prize fund to R3-million, making it one of the richest tournaments on the Sunshine Tour outside the four events co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
Defending champion Deane Pappas will have to produce the kind of play which saw him finish at a record-equalling 20-under-par last year on the Lost City and Gary Player Country Clun at Sun City over the Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links this time.
And when he has played all three, he and 65 professionals and those tying on that score will have to play the final round on Montagu to decide the eventual winner.
The tournament is about more than the professionals: The 156 amateurs are each paired with a professional to make up a betterball team.
Players drawn together in one team stay together for the duration of the tournament, with the format betterball medal. The best nett score on each hole will count. As with the pros, each team will play one round on each of the Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links courses.
On conclusion of the third round there will be a cut to the leading 25 team scores. All teams making the 54-hole cut will contest the final round to be played on the Montagu course, including those professionals who don’t also make the pro cut.
Last year, Pappas had to almost sprint up the 18th fairway to get his round completed ahead of a rapidly approaching thunderstorm, and the trophy was handed over moments before everyone dived for cover as lightning flashed overhead.
Lightning is not likely to be an issue this time in the drought-stricken region, and Pappas will have to produce something approaching the form he showed last year to retain his title.
He started with a 65, including a staggering eight-under 28 on his inward nine on the Gary Player Country Club, nearly matching his brother Brenden’s remarkable 27 on the same stretch.
“After I shot birdie-eagle-birdie on 10, 11 and 12, one of the amateurs said I had a great start, and I said I had to go some to catch my brother’s score,” said Pappas. “But, unfortunately, I missed the putt on the last hole. I wasn’t really aware then that it was for 27,” he added.
He had a share of 30th in the Joburg Open and of 49th in the Africa Open, the opening tournament of 2010. So he will feel the need to have his A-game in George.
RELEASE ENDS
Note to journalist
For more information, please contact:
Mike Green
Communication Manager
Sunshine Tour
Tel: +27 (0)21 850 6500
mgreen@sunshinetour.com
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Deane Pappas
