Gorlei gives SA a solid boost at RAACT

The South African team made a solid start to their fifth consecutive title bid in the Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy in Namibia on Tuesday.

Cara Gorlei and newly crowned Bank Windhoek Namibia Amateur Ladies Stroke Play champion Demi Flanagan combined for an opening 147 at the Omeya Golf Club in Windhoek.

The South African team hold an eight stroke lead over hosts Namibia and Zimbabwe, while Botswana placed fourth on 185 and Lesotho finished fifth on 211.

Western Province number one Gorlei set the tone for the team with a three-under-par 69.

Flanagan from Border returned a 78 and Shawnelle de Lange from Gauteng signed for a non-counting 81.

“We are in a good position after the first round, which is always ideal,” said Womens Golf South Africa president Karen Olivant.

“Cara had a really solid round and was the only player in the field to break par today. Demi had a bit of a mixed bag, though. She started well and was one over through the turn, but lost a couple of shots coming home to finish six over.

“Shawnelle struggled all day, especially on the greens and spent a long while at the practice putting green after the round. Despite her struggles, she really spiced up the day when she almost holed out at the tough par-three 17th. Hopefully her putter heats up for the second round.”

Rossmund’s Caro Els carded a 75 and Nadia Schmidt from Omeya added an 80 for Namibia’s 155.

Former Zimbabwe number one ranked amateur, Batsirai Tilowakuti, underlined her recent return to form with a 73 and partnered Aulia Alfazema (82) to joint second with the host country.

Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy events are held biennially in West Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa and East/Central Africa and are supported by the Royal and Ancient of St Andrews (R&A).

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
147 South Africa
155 Namibia; Zimbabwe
185 Botswana
211 Lesotho

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.

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