Chen wins double in Gauteng North
17 year-old Connie Chen carried home three trophies from Services Golf Club this week when she won the Stroke Play, Match Play and Junior Gauteng North Championships in a top SA Women’s field and on a course that had been lengthened to 5600 for the stroke play and 5840 for the match play championship.
Continuing her current run of form, Connie carded a one-under 71 in the first round, one stroke back from former SA Match Play champion Nobuhle Dlamini and tied with Gina Switala, also on 71. Iliska Vervey signed for an even par 72. Current SA Champion Kim Williams on 76 was tied ninth.
Day two brought out the best in Kim who carded a four-under 68 – the low score of the tournament – to finish in third position on even par 144. But Connie scored another 71 to win the event on 142 (-2) with Gina Switala runner-up on 143 (72,73)
Gauteng North Vice-President reports “Nobuhle Dlamini was leading the A Division field after the first round with Connie Chen and Gina Switala close on her heels. We knew we were in for a tight round the next day and could not wait to watch it all unfold. Tuesday morning was not as cold as the previous day but the “hot” game ahead of us would keep us warm and for the next four hours. Our B Division always has a few stalwarts in the field and with the “newies” trying to make the tournament count. For all of us the petite Jamie Lee Daniels gave us great pleasure in watching her feisty spirit. Cindy Dalton picked up the D Division Trophy.
“With Nobuhle falling out of contention the battle was on between Connie Chen and Gina Switala. Connie won on the last hole by one shot. It was wonderful to have Gina playing at our tournament and hopefully she will have more time in between her studies. Our Gauteng North Junior and Senior Strokeplay Open Champion is Connie Chen – need we say more – since the SA Amateur in Port Elizabeth she has not stopped notching the wins on her belt.”
In the Match Play championship. Connie came through to the final round after victories over Marne Roos (2/1), Michelle Leigh (3/2) and Bertine Strauss (6/5), while Kim reached the final overcoming Biance Barnard (5/4), Larissa Ras (2 up) and Lara Weinstein (20th).
In the 18 hole final, Connie never let her lead go from the third hole and eventually won in great style 3/2. Dot commented that Connie can now be known as the “Queen” of Gauteng North making a clean sweep in 2010.
The B Division match play won by Russo Gouws and Nicole Becker won match play flight.