The 1973–74 Southern Africa Tour was the third season of the

Southern Africa Tour The Sunshine Tour is a men's professional golf tour based in Southern and East Africa. For much of its early history it was known either as the Southern Africa Tour or Sunshine Circuit; through sponsorship deals, it has also been known as the F ...

, the main professional golf tour in South Africa since it was formed in 1971.

Season outline

Dale Hayes Dale Hayes (born 1 July 1952) is a South African professional golfer. Amateur career Hayes won the 15–17 Boys category at the Junior World Golf Championships in 1969. Professional career In 1970, Hayes turned professional. On December 6, 19 ...

had much success at the beginning of the season. He won the second tournament; the Rhodesian Dunlop Masters, shooting under-par every day. At the next tournament; the Rolux Open, Hayes opened with a 64, breaking the course record. He finished with a 68 to win for the second consecutive week. He recorded a runner-up finish at the ICL Transvaal Open, one shot behind

Hugh Baiocchi Hugh John Baiocchi (born 17 August 1946) is a South African professional golfer who has won more than 20 professional tournaments around the world. Early life Baiocchi was born in Johannesburg. Professional career In 1971, Baiocchi turned ...

. After the Christmas break, Bobby Cole found much success. In late January, he won the Vavasseur Natal Open. At the following event; the Dunlop South African Masters, Cole finished runner-up, losing in a playoff to

Gary Player Gary James Player (born 1 November 1935) is a South African retired professional golfer who is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. During his career, Player won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine ...

. A few days later began the flagship event, the South African Open held at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club. In the second round, Cole broke the course record, shooting a 65 (−7) to take the lead. In the final round, Cole broke his own course record, shooting a 64 to secure a four-shot win.

found form again towards the end of the season. At the penultimate event; the Schoeman Park Open, he finished joint runner-up. At the final event, the Holiday Inns Open, Hayes opened with a course record 64. He ultimately defeated Bob Charles by two shots. It was his third win of the season. Due to his consistent play in the middle of the season, however, Cole won the Order of Merit, narrowly defeating Hayes who finished second.

Schedule

The following table lists official events during the 1973–74 season.

Order of Merit

The

Order of Merit The Order of Merit () is an order of merit for the Commonwealth realms, recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or the promotion of culture. Established in 1902 by Edward VII, admission into the order r ...

was based on tournament results during the season, calculated using a points-based system.

Notes

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:1973-74 Southern Africa Tour Sunshine Tour seasons