PEEBLES golfer Craig Howie got his season off to a strong start in the sunshine of South Africa last weekend after securing his first ever top ten finish on the Challenge Tour.

Playing in the Limpopo Championship at Molimolle, just north of Pretoria, the 25-year old carded a superb five-under par opening round of 67 to put himself in contention, backed up by a two-under 70 in round two.

His second eagle of the week came at the 9th hole of his third round as he climbed up to fifth spot, although three costly back nine bogeys left him outside the top ten with a round to go.

Although the putter didn’t quite fire in the final round, he was able to rack up four birdies in a one-under par 70 with his birdie four on the final hole securing a share of tenth place on nine-under par, leaving him the highest placed Scot on the leaderboard, with the South Africans taking the top five places.

Craig’s South African adventures continue as he moves onto Cape Town this week (February 6 - 9) for the RAM Cape Town Open, before travelling to the luxurious Fancourt Golf Estate the following week for the Dimension Data Pro-Am.

Younger brother Darren is also out in South Africa this month alongside fellow Peebles member Stephen Roger, both part of the Scotland amateur squad enjoying a competitive warm weather training camp in the sunshine state.

They are currently competing in the African Amateur Stroke Play Championship in Leopard Creek, with two other major events to follow later in the month, including the prestigious South African Amateur Championship at Randpark Golf Club.

Peebles golfers will have the chance to support Craig’s efforts this season by taking part in the Craig Howie Golf Day, on Sunday, April 26.

The event is being staged to help raise funds to cover his travel costs for the season, with a team of four costing £240, which includes dinner in the clubhouse afterwards.

To book your team, please contact Peebles Golf Club on 01721 720197, with 20 teams available and a 10am shotgun start.

Meanwhile, the club’s members are reminded that the Annual General Meeting takes place this Tuesday, February 11, with a 7.30pm start, with Vice-Captain Gavin Carruthers all set to take up the reins.