Nobuhle wins the double in dramatic fashion in PE
Stroke play champion Nobuhle Dlamini picked up the double at the Eastern Cape championship today when she played an unbelievable shot from under trees to eagle the 19th hole at Port Elizabeth Golf Club and defeat Southern Cape’s Nicole Loesch in the match play final.
On her way to the final, Nobby, as she is known to the golfing fraternity, had a 3/2 won over EC junior Imkeleen Myer, followed by a 6/5 defeat of Southern Cape’s Marguerite Pienaar. In the semi final she won 3/2 against Gauteng’s Chevonne Botha.
Nicole’s journey to the final included a 4/3 won over Gauteng’s Lora Assad, a 3/2 defeat against Nicole Fourie of Eastern Cape and a semi-final 2/1 win over North West junior Marné Clack.
The 10 – 18 handicap division match play championship was won by Minette Olivier with a 5/4 victory over Justine Botten, and in the Bronze C Division, Chantelle Bader won 1 up against veteran Noelene de Ridder.
Eastern Cape President Sally Greasley reports on the amazing championship final where holes were only won with birdies and an eagle. “The match was all square at the turn and finally reached the 18th with Nobuhle one up, only for Nicole to sink a putt to take them down the 19th.
“Nicole had a great drive down the par five first, and Nobuhle faded her ball slightly which left her with an awkward lie. She hit a great recovery shot which unfortunately ended up about 30 metres left of the green under a tree very close to a path. Nicole hit a lovely shot and ended up about 10 metres from the front of the green
“As Nobuhle peered under the branches of the tree with her caddy decided what to hit, we all thought advantage Nicole. But in fantastic championship fashion, Nobuhle banged her shot under the tree up onto the fringe of the green, one bounce and a roll and it went straight into the cup for an eagle three.
“Amongst the spectators were several caddies and as you can imagine, the crowd erupted with scenes reminiscent of Kiawah Island! Nicole hit a beautiful chip which skirted the hole and the match ended with an eagle and potential birdie! It indeed was a privilege to have witnessed such professional golf from two incredibly calm, composed and delightful players.”
The second provincial championship of 2012 is the Border Championships to be played at the picturesque East London Golf Club from 26 to 28 February.