Evans set for Euro Tour start

Ben Evans is set to tee off in a European Tour event in South Africa. Picture by Simon Newstead

The Staplecross-based professional claimed the last place in the field for the Nelson Mandela Championship presented by ISPS Handa at Mount Edgecombe CC in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Evans is set to begin his opening round in the 72-hole event at 4pm GMT this afternoon (Wednesday) with play having started seven hours later than scheduled because of a waterlogged course.

The opportunity to compete is a nice early birthday present for Evans, who will turn 27 on Friday. His playing companions for the first 36 holes include former Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson.

Evans, of Rye and Sedlescombe Golf Clubs, has enjoyed a very good year. He finished fourth on the Alps Tour order of merit after securing his maiden professional victory in Sardinia during October, thereby earning a return to the European Challenge Tour for next year.

He also played all six rounds at the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in Spain last month having come through the first two stages with top five finishes in each.