Mwandla banks on ERPM experience on Blue Label debut

Siyanda Mwandla will look to build on his top-10 finish in the SunBet Challenge hosted by Time Square Casino when he makes his debut appearance on the Blue Label Development Tour’s one-day tournament at ERPM on Monday.

Mwandla, a member of the Papwa Sewgolum Transformation Class, achieved his highest-ever placing in a Sunshine Tour event when he finished in a share of sixth at Wingate Park Golf Club last week, a result he hopes to build on.

“That was my best finish since I turned professional,” said Mwandla who plays out of Glendower Golf Club. “It felt like I belong there; with the big boys. I have been really struggling lately; I think I have just come from the worst three months of my golfing career. I was trying something new and it didn’t work out and I’m glad I realised quite early on that what I was working on wasn’t going to help me much.

“We always want to get better, so we try new things. But that didn’t work out and then I reverted back to my natural game, and in two weeks’ time, I get my best finish ever on Tour. I’m glad I made that decision and now I am happier with my game.”

Mwandla will be making his first start on this development mini-circuit at ERPM Golf Club on Monday and says he can’t wait to get going.

“I love this golf course,” said Mwandla who hails from Stanger in KwaZulu Natal. “I was not going to miss this one. This is only the second tournament in this series but when they confirmed we’re playing ERPM, I knew I was going to play.

“I think I played all my pre-qualifiers here after I turned pro and I don’t think I’ve ever missed a pre-qualifier here. There’s something that just suits my eye about the layout and I hope to do well again. With the confidence I have from last week’s finish in the Sunshine Tour, I am looking forward to seeing how things go at ERPM.”

The Blue Label Development Tour events carry a R50 000 purse for each of the 10 one-day tournaments while expanding playing opportunities for players to sharpen their skills further. Mwandla will be eager to build on his newly-found form and a win in this 18-hole tournament could jump-start his struggle-laden season.