Gauteng North primed for 72 Hole title defence
Twelve months ago, the union not only retained the Swiss Team Trophy title for a fourth consecutive time, but the B-team claimed the runner-up spot, while the C-Team earned the coveted promotion that came with winning the Challenge Trophy at Maccauvlei.
“The feat marked the first time that one province won in both divisions since the B-Division was introduced in 2008, and we are extremely proud of this achievement,” said Gauteng North Golf Union vice-president, Dot van Ryneveld.
“Of course, we won’t have a team in the Challenge Trophy this year, but we have trebled our chances of making it five Swiss Team Trophy titles in a row and that will be yet another new record for Gauteng North.”
While the province lost former stalwarts Kim Williams and Nobuhle Dlamini to the paid ranks, Van Ryneveld is confident that Magda Kruger, Carrie Park and Eugenie Clack will rise to the challenge.
“Magda partnered Kim and Nobuhle to victory in the A-Division last year and she will bring that experience to this year’s event,” Van Ryneveld said. “She has also enjoyed a superb season this year with a fistful of top 10 finishes and a victory in Port Elizabeth.
“Carrie was in the B-team last year and has also had a phenomenal season. She won twice on provincial level before claiming the Sanlam SA Womens Stroke Play, and currently tops the Senior and Junior Rankings.
“I believe their confidence, combined with Eugenie’s experience and leadership as the captain, will stand them in good stead in this year’s competition.”
The B-Team will comprise of Danielle du Toit, Crystal Cooper and Carmia van Wyk, while former Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl champion Catherine Lau will partner Larissa du Preez and Ruzanne van der Walt in the C-team.
“We are under no illusions that we have a tough week ahead of us,” Van Ryneveld said.
“We have dominated this event for the last seven years, and the other A-Division teams will be gunning to end our winning run. All the A-Division teams pose a strong challenge and no-one is just going to give us the title.”
The rest of the teams making up the A-Division of the 72 Hole Teams Championship, which tees off from 25 – 28 May, include Boland A, Ekurhuleni A, Gauteng A and B, KwaZulu-Natal A, Mpumalanga A, North West A and Western Province A and B.
The Challenge Trophy will be contested between Border, Eastern Province, Ekurhuleni B, Free State & Northern Cape, Gauteng C, Limpopo, North West B, Western Province C and host province Southern Cape, who will field two teams.
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.