Nobuhle defends Sanlam SA Woman’s Amateur Stroke Play title
Nobuhle Dlamini successfully defended her Sanlam South African Women’s Amateur Stroke Play title with a crushing 12-stroke victory at Pretoria Country Club. She took a two-stroke lead into the final round and was never challenged as she closed with a two-under-par 70 for a winning total of three-over-par. It was one of the most emphatic victories in the history of this championship, cementing her status as South Africa’s number 1 amateur women golfer. Nobuhle also became only the sixth golfer since 1969 to have successfully defended her title in this event.
“She’s dominated the game ever since she moved to the top of our rankings, and she’s such a worthy champion because she’s so hard working and disciplined.” said Cynthia Rayner, president of Women’s Golf South Africa.
Nobuhle was incredibly solid over the opening few holes, while her nearest challengers all faltered early. Gina Switala dropped four shots in the first three holes, and then an eight on the par-four seventh hole was the end of her challenge. And Eleonora Galletti opened with a triple bogey on the first and a bogey on the second to also fall off the pace. Finishing strongly with three birdies over her final three holes, Nobuhle managed the only sub par round of the tournament. Lara Weinstein took second place with a final round of 74.
Nobuhle has already expressed her desire to turn professional later this year. “I predict a great future for her as professional,” said Rayner. “She sets such a great example for the rest of Africa.”
Kim de Klerk won the B Division by 3 shots from Symone Henriques and Adele Beytell who tied for second place.
Leading results in the Championship Division:
219 – Nobuhle Dlamini
231 – Lara Weinstein
232 – Danielle du Toit, Gina Switala
234 – Izel Pieters, Michelle Swanepoel, Eleonora Galletti
235 – Kim Williams
237 – Cara Gorlei, Monja Richards
238 – Sarah Bouch, Chevonne Botha
240 – Chiara Contomathios, Crystal Cooper, Kayleigh Telfer
241 – Ruzanne van der Walt, Kelly Erasmus, Emma Du Bruyn, Carrie Park, Nicole Hannah