Gus Parker was all smiles following his stunning win at the prestigious Erinvale Golf Club in Somerset West recently — a victory that not only secured him the title but also an all-expenses-paid trip to Antalya, Türkiye, for the World Golf Cup Amateur Series final, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.
“You know, it was such an experience for me to win this thing,” Parker said at the time. “I’m looking forward to it (the trip to Türkiye).”
Parker showcased his skills at Erinvale in April, which had hosted the South African Women’s Open just a week prior, closing with a winning score of 42.
Commenting on the condition of the greens then, he was clearly impressed: “I think the course was in really good nick. The greens were the fastest I’ve played in years.”
Parker believes that the experience of playing in such exceptional conditions gave him a taste of what to expect at the World Golf Cup, to be held at the Gloria Golf Club in Antalya — a venue renowned for its breathtaking coastline, warm Mediterranean climate, and world-class golf facilities – in December.
Parker joked about his informal approach to training: “My clubs are always in the car. When I get to the course on Saturday, I take them out.”
However, he spends plenty of time on the course with his teenage son.
“On a more serious note, my 18-year-old son plays, so I walk with him three times a week,” Parker said. “I caddy for him and try to impart some knowledge.”
Looking ahead to the competition at one of Europe’s most scenic and highly rated golf courses, Parker admits the stakes have ignited his competitive edge.
“I’ll definitely put in some time practising a bit more. I don’t want to make a fool of myself,” he said, referring to the high level of competition that awaits.
Since its inception in 2013, the World Golf Cup has brought together more than 10 000 players competing across over 130 tournaments in 83 countries worldwide.
The Cape Town event was the fifth of 130 tournaments in this year’s series, with local champions earning a place in the Grand Finals in Türkiye. Parker will now represent Cape Town, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Khalid Abdullah.
Marius Schoeman finished as runner-up, while Mogammat Mustapha claimed third place.
The “Closest to the Pin – Men’s” competition was won by Thomas Turck, while the Ladies’ category saw joint winners: Landi Campbell and Vivienne Taberer.
Zaahier Adams is attending the Turkish Airlines Open at the Regnum Carya Golf Club in Antalya, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.
