THEMBELANI Vundhla defied the odds to win the Ray Stracker Under-23 golf tournament at Chapman yesterday. Vundla managed to win with a gross score of 291 having carded 71, 74, 72 and 74 to beat 41 other participants.

The Chapman A team player was in terrific form as he battled against some top players in the tourney.

Last year, he finished tied, in second place, with Clive Nguru.

Ray Badenhoist, who is in the country and was the tournament pre-favourite, finished in second place.

The United States-based golfer carded 74, 68, 76 and 74.

Badenhoist was a stroke behind the eventual winner and caught the year with his impressive second round score of 68.

Clive Nguru finished third after carding 76, 72, 73 and 73 in the four rounds while Gerald Zilo Shwabane was tied with Jack Allad for fourth place.

Allad's national team-mate Stewart Krog also did well to finish in sixth place with rounds of 71, 73, 82 and 76.

Tournament co-ordinator, Krog, said they were happy with the way things played out.

"The tournament was a success and we saw a lot of potential in the Under-23s.

"We are happy that the rains did not disturb us," said Krog.

Meanwhile, United States-based Bret Krog returns to his base in Florida tomorrow after a three-week break.

The Florida Tech student was part of the field that played at Chapman.

Bret had one of the best shot in the second round when he chipped in on hole number 18 from distance.

He said he had good time, during the three weeks, and will return to his base a happy man.

"I enjoyed the time here and the competition is increasing with each outing.

"The Ray Stracker event was good for me as I had missed my former home course Chapman it was good to play here again," Bret said.