Monique Smit claims 54 hole Gus Ackerman Stroke Play Title

Deborah Martin reports:

Playing in only her third championship this year Oubaai’s Monique Smit carded a 3 over par total 219 with rounds of 71, 72 & 76 to claim victory in the 29th 54 Hole Gus, Raymond & Jonathan Ackerman Championships played at Mowbray Golf Club 17-18 October 2009.

After first round play, and having to contend with the strong south easterly wind, Monique shot a one under par 71 and held the joint lead with Alana van Greuning. Waterkloof’s Connie Chen was one shot behind on 72, with a group of four players, Lumien Orton, Nicole Becker, Kim Williams and Henriette Frylinck on 73.

With a four shot lead going into the final round on Sunday afternoon, Smit held her game together despite dropping four shots for a 76 to clinch the title with a two shot win over Bonita Bredenhann and Lumien Orton. Nicole Becker finished in fourth position on 224, Connie Chen and Henriette Frylinck tied for fifth position on 225.

Namibia’s Bonita Bredenhann bounced back from a disappointing first round 78 to fire a one under par 71 and final round level par, 72, to card a total of 221 to share the runner-up position with Lumien Orton (73,74,74).

Western Province’s Vanessa Smith finished in sixth position on 227, Yvette du Plessis 13th on 232, Amy Henning 20th (234) and Rushda Mallick 21st on 236.

The Raymond Ackerman Trophy (36 Holes), a closed event for Western Province affiliate members, was won by Mowbray’s June Watson. Watson was four shots behind the leaders Cara Gorlei and Hayley Davis after the morning round and improved by 10 shots to shoot a 4 over par 76 for a total 162, three shots ahead of Clovelly’s Lauren Sebotker with Cara Gorlei from Milnerton who was a further shot behind.

Royal Cape’s Jade Grey lifted the Pevsner Trophy (handicaps 21-28) with a 36 hole total 188, two shots ahead of Mowbray’s Mmampho Smouse. Caitrin Llewellyn was third on 193.

The Jonathan Ackerman Trophy (21 years and Under) was won by Bonita Bredenhann on a 36 hole total, 143, with Monique Smit five shots behind on 148. Waterkloof’s Henriette Frylinck and Marne Roos from Centurion were joint third on 152.