Kallis' putting proves a hole in one

He may be the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, but it was Jacques Kallis’ putting prowess that was on show when he helped raise R80,000 (US$11,448) for charity during the Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament at Simola Golf Estate in Knysna on Wednesday. Kallis came out on top in a three-way charity putting competition against team-mate Mark Boucher and former South Africa great Barry Richards, whose efforts raised R20,000 apiece for the Birdies for Kiddies campaign.

"I certainly didn't have a great day today," laughed Kallis, who had struggled through the day’s regulation play. "I didn't strike it well. Actually, I think I caught everything fat, but I'm going to blame the wet conditions. But when it really counted, I managed to find a couple of putts.”

"I have to thank him for that one par putt, but I had to carry him for 17 holes, so I think we will have to up the stakes to get him going," joked Boucher. "I think it's going to take a couple of cash bets with the guys tomorrow and playing for some proper money to get him to perform. I'm sure we'll do a lot better."