Gauteng keeps control at 72-Hole Team Champs
Gauteng’s A-team produced two solid performances to open up a comfortable gap on Gauteng North A in the 72-Hole Teams Championship at Middelburg Country Club on Tuesday.
The B-Team established a three stroke lead in the first round to set the tone for Gauteng, but as they faded on day two, the A-Team picked up the slack to keep Gauteng’s title defence in the Swiss Team Trophy division on track.
South Africa’s top ranked pair Kaleigh Telfer and Ivanna Samu and top ranked junior Woo-Ju Son propelled the team to pole position with rounds of 145 and 141, giving the defending champions a nine shot lead heading into the final round.
Samu carded a one-under-par 71 and Son added a two over 74 that helped Gauteng A to a share of the second round lead with Gauteng North A on 294.
Telfer signed for a 71 and Samu closed with a 70 in the third round to take the team to the top of the standings.
Danielle du Toit and Larissa du Preez combined for a four over 148 in round two and signed for 150 in the third round to keep Gauteng North A in pursuit.
Bianca Theron and namesake Bianca Lohbauer proved a lethal combination for Boland A, who overhauled Gauteng B for third spot. The Bianca’s posted rounds of 153 and 146 to finish on 14 over.
The Challenge Trophy division is virtually done and dusted after Ekurhuleni A opened up an unassailable lead over Gauteng C.
At five-over-par 221, the team lead by 21 shots from Gauteng C and 31 shots from KwaZulu-Natal.
First round leader Casandra Hall carded rounds of 73 and 75 to hold on to the top spot in the Individual Standings. Sarah Bouch added a second 74 and 13-year-old Caitlyn Mcnab shot 76 in the third round to keep Ekurhuleni A in the driver’s seat.
Hall has a one shot lead over Samu and is two strokes clear of Du Toit, while Michaela Flether from KwaZulu-Natal and Telfer lag five strokes off the pace in the Individual Competition.
Meanwhile Zethu Myeki from Border fired a third round 69 that featured five birdies and an eagle at the par five 17th to take the low round honours. The Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation member is joint ninth with Mcnab on 225.
Click HERE to view the SWISS TEAM TROPHY scoring
Click HERE to view the CHALLENGE TROPHY scoring
Click HERE to view the INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD