Purchase claims dramatic victory for maiden pro title

Warwick Purchase’s first-ever win – both as a professional and as an amateur – came in some dramatic fashion at Glenvista Country Club on Wednesday.

On a tournament total of seven-under-par 209, Purchase, Ulrich van den Berg and Leon Vorster tied for the top spot; necessitating a play-off to decide the victor. Leon Vorster, who was looking for his second win in three starts fell off on the first playoff hole after Purchase and Van den Berg while the latter fell on the second.

“It was a great day,” said an elated Purchase. “As I said yesterday, I just wanted to go out and enjoy the moment; put as many golf shots as possible. Obviously, I’m very excited. This is my first win both as an amateur and as a professional. I can’t thank Betway and the Big Easy Tour enough for setting up a platform for us to realise our dreams.

“I was very nervous going against Ulrich, which is natural, I think. Ulrich is a fierce competitor and he has proven it over the years. But I just needed to do what I needed to do and that is what I did and I am happy to come out on top.”

Even as he narrowly lost in the playoff, Van den Berg will be satisfied with his effort this week, and the same could be said for Vorster. Both players showed tremendous tenacity but the golf gods were on Purchase’s side.

The Benoni Country Club member, Purchase, turned pro just last year and played himself to 29^th on the Order of Merit last season. It was no small achievement for a rookie. With a win already secured in the current season, the East Rand native will now look to add more silverware to his cabinet and hopefully by the end of the season, earn his Sunshine Tour playing card for the following campaign.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s development circuit where the top 12 on the Order of Merit will earn privileges to compete on the main Tour.