Stroke victim Smit beat the odds to lift Welsh Open crown

One of the most emotional triumphs on the Senior Tour in 2009 came in the Ryder Cup Wales Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl. South African wheat farmer Bertus Smit, a club golfer with a handicap of plus 2, sold his business in 2003 so that he could pursue a career as a professional golfer. He spent a couple of years playing in mini-tours in the USA before earning his place on the European Senior Tour with second place at Qualifying School. In his first season, he claimed an impressive 16th in the Order of Merit, with eight top 10 placings.

That same year, Smit, married with three grown-up children, suffered a stroke that left him blind in his right eye. But that didn’t deter him. “We farmers are a stubborn lot and rather than take some time off to allow the eye to heal, I decided to play that year with one eye.” So he competed under a massive handicap and but, nevertheless, finished a creditable 53rd in the money list but failed to retain his place on Tour.

Smit was restricted to eight starts in 2008 and his 56th place in the Order of Merit sent him back to Qualifying School where he produced a consistent performance to regain his card in runners-up spot.
Eventually, 45 per cent vision returned to his right eye but the best was yet to come for the 56-year-old from Cape Town.

It arrived on June 21 this year, when Smit carded a final round three-under-par 69 to finish four strokes clear of the field in the Ryder Cup Wales Senior Open, claiming Welshman Ian Woosnam among his victims. “Very emotional. Unbelievable,” said Smit. “It was one of the best moments of my life.

“After the stroke, I lost my confidence for two years but suddenly the swing was there, my irons were superb and my putting was good. “The year’s exemption was unbelievable because it meant no more struggling at Qualifying School.

I could just enjoy my golf.” Smit’s earlier career spanned 27 years as an amateur, during which he twice represented South Africa, in 1997 and 1998. He also gained representative honours with Western Province and Boland, whom he captained for 18 years, while continuing to farm at Moorreesburg and playing on the local nine-hole course. His 10th place in the 2009 Order of Merit sets the standard for future years but Smit is well prepared for the challenge. “It was a long season and when I got home I felt like I needed a good rest.

“The atmosphere on the Tour is very relaxed. We are like a family but when it comes to playing, everyone gives 100 per cent and wants to win.” He added: “I have never been to Mauritius so I’m looking forward to playing there. “It is an important event because the better the start you make to the year, the easier it will be to finish high in the Order of Merit and the more it takes the pressure off.”

His 10th place in the 2009 Order of Merit sets the standard for future years but Smit is well prepared for the challenge. “It was a long season and when I got home I felt like I needed a good rest. “The atmosphere on the Tour is very relaxed. We are like a family but when it comes to playing, everyone gives 100 per cent and wants to win.” He added: “I have never been to Mauritius so I’m looking forward to playing there. “It is an important event because the better the start you make to the year, the easier it will be to finish high in the Order of Merit and the more it takes the pressure off.”

Neil webber