AFRICA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

February 24, 2024

Altin van der Merwe

Quick Quotes

Q. You're the new Africa Amateur champion. How does it feel?

ALTIN VAN DER MERWE: Awesome. It's an unbelievable feeling. I think it'll kick in later. Right through the day, the two competitors I played with, two great friends actually, we went back and forth, back and forth. I think all three of us had the lead at one stage, then there was three holes, they didn't go in, they didn't go in, and then the last hole I just pulled a blinder out, and in the playoff I made a good two-putt. I can't describe the feeling.

Q. When you just missed out for an eagle on the 18th in regulation, what was going through your mind there? Did you have to reset yourself?

ALTIN VAN DER MERWE: Yeah. Geez, I thought it was over. I've hit that putt so many times, and I know it comes a little bit off the right, and I went on the right edge. I think the last minute, it went through my mind, just don't hit it three foot past, and I ended up hitting it too soft, and then it broke a bit more. If I just hit it, it would have been in. Luckily, the job was done. I reset myself on the tee. There was a little bit of goosebumps here and there, but just aimed a bit extra more left just for that cut and smashed it.

Q. You talked about your career aspirations earlier this week. What does a win like this mean for you?

ALTIN VAN DER MERWE: Oh, absolutely everything. I've been wanting to turn pro for the last say eight years since I left school. I tried just after school and missed out by one. Went to go study, and I went back and the golf was better and everything was going better for me. I don't know why, I don't know how, but it means everything to me.

Q. A place in the Open at Royal Troon this year. Looking forward to that?

ALTIN VAN DER MERWE: I can't wait. Honestly, I can't wait. It's links golf, as well, so I'm going to be licking my chops out there with just a little sting 2-iron all day, and I just can't wait until the time comes.