Just 12 months on from lifting the iconic rhino trophy awarded to the winner of the Barclays Kenya Open, Jake Roos is now plying his trade on The European Tour in 2015, thanks to his career-altering success at Karen Country Club last year.
The South African had won six times on his native Sunshine Tour to that point, but his Nairobi triumph proved pivotal in earning him full playing rights on the European Challenge Tour for the rest of the season.
It was a fantastic achievement for Roos, and one that he was quick to credit – in part – to his narrow one stroke triumph over Frenchman Adrien Bernadet, Lasse Jensen of Denmark and Spain’s Pedro Oriol at the end of a tense final round in Nairobi a year ago.
“My win in Kenya last year was a major step forward in my career and a perfect start to the season,” said the 34 year old. “I had won several times on the Sunshine Tour to that point, but to be given the chance to compete around the world on the Challenge Tour as a result of this victory was one that I was keen to grab with both hands.
It was a great confidence boost for me to hold off the challenge of those around me on the leaderboard in that final round, and I was pleased with how I played under that pressure.
“From there I was thankfully able to transfer that form to the rest of the season, also winning in Germany, but it was my triumph in Kenya that really laid the foundation for my eventual graduation to The European Tour.”
For much of last year’s final day it had very much looked like anyone’s game as plenty of top talent jostled for position on a packed leaderboard, but it was Roos who ended the day a cut above, thanks to birdies at the second, eighth, 14th and 15th.
He would also drop shots at the second and 16th, which had looked like proving costly as Bernadet hit the front with four birdies of his own. However, with just two to play, a double bogey at the penultimate hole cost him his own chance at a maiden Challenge Tour title.
That meant a par up the last was good enough for Roos, and as he tapped in for his five he was assured of a first win on European golf’s second tier, a triumph that provided the foundation upon which he would build a successful campaign and eventually graduate to The Race to Dubai.
Needless to say, then, why this tournament has such a special place in the Hermanus resident’s heart.
“It was a great honour to play in Kenya last year, but to win it was even more special, as the atmosphere created by the crowds was great all week,” said Roos. “I also stayed with a local family, which added to the experience, and I will always remember the event and the positive effect it has had on my career.
“I would therefore like to thank everyone involved in the tournament for everything they do, and wish everyone all the best for this season. I’m sure it will be even better than ever.”
