Border reigns supreme at Ladies Champs

Zethu Myeki and Demi Flanagan ensured a superb one-two finish for Border when the rising stars beat out some of the country’s top amateurs to take the honours in the Border Ladies Championship this February.

Myeki, a graduate from the South African Golf Development Board, claimed the biggest triumph of her career when she clinched the A-Division title by two strokes from Flanagan.

The 21-year old Wesbank golfer opened with a 77 in blustery conditions at East London Golf Club to set the first round target, but was followed closely by Woo-Ju Son from Gauteng (78) while Flanagan carded a 79 at her home course to finish just a further stroke back alongside another local challenger, Yolanda Duma from West Bank.

The country’s fourth ranked Cara Gorlei charged into contention in the second round, but Myeki matched her 72 to open up a four stroke lead on the Western Province player.

Flanagan lagged five strokes off the pace after carding a 75 and Son slipped fourth on 154 after signing for a 77.

Despite coming under pressure from Flanagan in the final round, Myeki held her nerve and fired a closing 75 to triumph on 224.

Flanagan charged to second on her own after posting a 72 for the lowest round of the day.

Son closed with a 74 to finish on 229, two strokes ahead of Gauteng’s Kaleigh Telfer (82-74-75) and three clear of Gorlei, who signed for a 79.

“This is without a doubt my biggest amateur win,” said a delighted Myeki.

Over the last few months, the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation player and her coach, Michelle de Vries from the SAGDB, have made significant changes to her swing.

Myeki was thrilled that the changes held up under pressure.

“I have been working incredibly hard with Michelle and bringing a draw into my swing. The pressure was intense, especially leading from start to finish with players like Demi, Cara and Woo-Ju breathing down my back.

“I don’t mind the pressure, but I am incredibly relieved that my swing held up and that all the hard work has paid off.”

Flanagan got her just rewards when she claimed her third Match Play Championship title in a successful title defence.

“I was confident going into the match play having won it before,” said Flanagan. “I told myself I wanted to win it again and I managed to pull it off.”