Henriques hunts more success in KZN
Young Symone Henriques is targeting back-to-back victories in the KZN Nomads Girls’ Golf Championship this weekend after a winning performance in the Mpumalanga Championship last week.
The 14-year-old Glenvista junior upstaged current number one Kaleigh Telfer and top ranked Zethu Myeki and Eleonara Galletti to seal her provincial breakthrough on the senior amateur circuit with a five stroke victory at White River Country Club in Nelspruit.
“At first the win felt like a dream, like it didn’t really happen,” Henriques said.
“As it started to sink in, I felt the confidence that comes with winning. I don’t see myself at the same level as Kaleigh, Zethu, Eleonora or Ivanna Samu just yet, but I am definitely edging closer.”
Henriques lagged three off the pace after an opening 76, but took the outright lead with a 69 in the second round and sealed the victory at one-over-par 217 with a closing 72.
“I was a little nervous starting the final round, but I settled down quickly,” Henriques said.
“I just focussed on playing the course, not my opponents. I think that’s a mistake we all make when we are younger and less experienced. Competing against players never turns out well.”
Henriques will take the same attitude to her final junior championship this weekend, but she does feel that she has brought her winning confidence to Selborne Park Golf Club.
“I am not starting this tournament with high expectations,” Henriques said.
“I think that would be a mistake. I definitely feel more confident, for sure, but it’s another week, another course. There are a couple of tough holes out there and I think the best attitude to take into this weekend is to play shot-for-shot, hole-for-hole.”
Defending champion Samu, who finished seventh in the SA Women’s Open, will also join the A-Division title chase alongside reigning number one junior Woo-Ju Son and Telfer, coming off a tie for third in Mpumalanga.
Local favourite Brittney-Fay Berger from Kloof is also in the line-up in the A-Division, while nine-year-old Kamaya Moodliar will tee off in the B-Division.
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.