Daisies to defend their 72 hole stroke play title in East London

The recently upgraded East London Golf Club with its unique natural layout surrounded by coastal dunes and indigenous bush and overlooking the Indian ocean, will be an ideal test of stroke play golf when the WGSA 72 Hole Teams Championship is played there next week.

The new format of two previously determined divisions of 12 teams each, is expected to provide all players with good opposition and excellent scoring with holders, Gauteng North Daisies, in a strong position to retain the Swiss Teams Trophy.

Connie Chen, currently playing off a +1 handicap, replaces Gina Switala in the Daisies team. With Captain Kim Williams and the steady Henriette Frylinck, both scratch golfers, making up the balance, this Gauteng North team are a force to be reckoned with. The spirit in the team was apparent last week when these and other provincial players joined the Gauteng North Executive in running a Girls Love Golf Day at Services Golf Club. Each of the top players, teeing off with a wedge, joined a fourball of beginners in the scramble competition and made the day very special for the newcomers.

Nicole Becker’s North West side, including top ranked Bertine Strauss and Bonia Bredenhann, all 1 handicapped players, should present the strongest opposition but if windy coastal weather conditions prevail, the tournament could be wide open. WATC player Iliska Verwey and Boland’s Nicole Loesch have both returned from their USA Colleges to participate and should boost their team’s chances.

The 72 hole stroke play event commences on Monday 27 May with an 18 hole first round, followed by 36 holes on day two and 18 holes on Wednesday.