ZIMBABWE’S leading golfer Brendon de Jonge has vowed to bounce back stronger and qualify for next year’s edition of the biennial Presidents Cup in South Korea after a disappointing 2014 season on the US PGA Tour.
DANIEL NHAKANISO
Despite earning a whopping $1 171 395 in 31 events on the money-spinning PGA Tour this season, the 34-year-old Harare-born golfer endured his worst season in five years.
Since the 2009 season, De Jonge had never finished no worse than position 60 on the FedEx Cup standing but this season he finished a distant 91st position.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDay Sport from his base in the US, De Jonge, who is currently taking a break said he was disappointed he could not recapture the consistency of previous seasons.
“With regard to last season, overall I am a little disappointed . . . I did not achieve the results of the previous few years and my game lacked consistency. I have an extended break now before we begin in a couple of weeks which is giving me a chance to rest up a little as well as work on a few things. This is coming at just the right time,” he said.
While De Jonge could not recapture the form he had shown in recent previous seasons he still managed to consistently make the cut throughout the season, lasting the distance in 24 of the 31 events he took part.
His best results of the season came at the Wells Fargo Championship, where he finished in a tie for sixth despite opening his campaign at tournament with a disastrous 80.
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“I can say looking back that I was pleased with how I rebounded from some poor starts in tournaments and overall the amount of cuts I made. Looking forward to next year, the major goal is to try and get back on Nick’s (Nick Price’s) Presidents Cup team and get to relive that wonderful experience again,” he said.
Zimbabwean golf legend Price was early this year retained as the International team’s captain for next year’s edition of the biennial competition which pits the United States against an International side comprised of players from everywhere outside of Europe.
De Jonge says he is still hopeful of securing a place at the Nedbank Golf Challenge to be played at Sun City from December 4-7. De Jonge made his debut at the prestigious tournament, which is affectionately referred to as “Africa’s Major”, finishing in a tie for fifth position.
“As far as playing the Nedbank, I am currently not in the field and would have to rely on a sponsor pick to get in . . . that being said if I did get in I would play there and at Leopard Creek (Alfred Dunhill Championship).
“Sun City was without a doubt one of my favourite events I have played and would love the opportunity to play in front of a great deal of Zimbabweans again. The support I was given last year was incredible!”
