Ernie Els' nephew, Jovan Rebula, wins 123rd Amateur Championship
By Keith Jackson
Last Updated: 23/06/18 9:16pm
Jovan Rebula displayed a links-golf prowess that his uncle, Ernie Els, would have been proud of as he won the 123rd Amateur Championship at Royal Aberdeen.
Rebula held off a determined challenge from Ireland's Robin Dawson to clinch a 3&2 victory in the 36-hole final, becoming the first South African to lift the prestigious trophy since Bobby Cole in 1966.
Two-time Open champion Els qualified for the match play stages of the tournament in each of his three appearances, although he was unable to get past the last 16, but his nephew completed an excellent week to earn a place in the field for The 147th Open at Carnoustie next month as well as the 2019 Masters and US Open.
The 20-year-old went ahead early on with a birdie at the par-five sixth, and he soon found himself three holes ahead when Dawson bogeyed the next two before the Irishman reduced the deficit to two at the turn.
Rebula was forced to concede the 13th and his lead remained one at the halfway stage before the South African, the world No 192 in the amateur rankings, restored his 3up advantage soon after the resumption.
The lead was extended to a commanding five at the turn when Rebula drained a 25-foot putt for birdie on the ninth green, but Dawson again fought back with two wins setting up a tense finale.
But Rebula sealed the title with a sublime up-and-down from the sand at the 16th, and he is now relishing the chance to take on the best professionals in the world at Carnoustie next month.
"It's unreal, it's really something that is hard to describe," he said. "I'm shattered. It's been a long week and especially today. I should have finished maybe a couple of holes earlier, but it's been awesome.
"Winning golf tournaments is what all of us dream of and being able to stand here having a trophy on the side - it's just what we play and work for. I am thankful to be standing here right now.
"Growing up in South Africa, The Open Championship is the major that you want to win. To go out and win The Open Championship - well I'll definitely give it my best shot. I'm so looking forward to that and everything that comes with this victory.
"I've never played Carnoustie. I've just heard about how brutal it is! I am looking forward to it. I am just going to go out and enjoy the experience."
Dawson added: "I am pretty happy. If you offered me finishing second at the start of the week I would have definitely taken it but, then again, when you get so close it's frustrating. So I have a lot of mixed emotions.
"I wasn't really clawing my way back into it in the end, Jovan was giving holes away. But to be fair to him, it was a great up and down on the 16th to win it. He's definitely a very worthy winner this week."
