Troy Storm showed maturity beyond his years as the 16-year-old overcame his opening day struggles with an assured even-par 72 after the third round of the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC), where South Africa extended their advantage to 11 shots on Friday.
Storm started his campaign with an 84 before improving to a 77. He continued his upward trend with a 72, helping Singapore post an even-par 432 team total after combining with Hiroshi Tai’s 75. The team is now tied-22nd alongside Wales and Canada. Teammate Brayden Lee returned with a non-counting score 75.
Despite a rocky start to the WATC, Storm continued to use patience and his self-belief to turn his week around at the Tanah Merah Country Club.
“I’m pretty happy to make a comeback, especially after the first round, which was pretty tough,” said Storm. “I’ve been hitting it pretty good and was rewarded today. I knew that if I just trusted myself, kept trying, and didn’t give up, I would be able to play some good golf.”
South Africa is seeking its first victory in the Eisenhower Trophy, and a medallist finish this week would be its first since earning silver in 1980. South Africa was the bronze medallist in 1970 and 1972.
When asked what it would mean to South Africa if they can lift the Eisenhower Trophy on Saturday, Team Captain Gavin Groves said: “ There’s still a lot of golf to be played, but we would rather be 11 shots ahead than 11 behind. If the guys follow their processes nicely, that will take care of itself. We’re a proud sporting nation, and there’s a lot of great golfing heritage. To be able to win this championship would be amazing. We just have to cross that bridge tomorrow afternoon.”
Hosted by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and conducted by the International Golf Federation (IGF), the WATC is held every two years and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of amateur team golf.
The official tee times and scoring are available here.
Main picture: Troy Storm. Photo credit: The Picture Suite/Singapore Golf Association.
