SA closes door on competition at Regional All-Africa
Tshwane golfer Magda Kruger blistered her home course in 64 strokes to give the South African team a major boost in the second round of the Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy (RAACT) at Centurion Country Club on Wednesday.
The South Africans launched their title defence with an opening 13-under-par 131 for a commanding 22 shot lead and stamped their authority on the prestigious Southern African team tournament with a second round nine under 135 to take their 36-hole total to 22-under-par 266.
The South Africans lead by 37 shots from Swaziland and are 50 ahead of Namibia.
Captain Lara Weinstein, who carded a second successive 71 for the other counting score, was impressed by Kruger’s magnificent effort that included seven birdies, an eagle and a lone bogey.
“I’m really happy with where we stand after the first two rounds,” the skipper said. “Everyone is giving their best for the team. Magda is having an incredible tournament at her home course, but it is also good to know that if one of us struggles, the rest of the team is ready to step up and deliver.”
Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation members Sylvia Masango and Bianca Theron carded the non-counting rounds. While Theron was disappointed with a 75 after her opening 66, Masango improved two shots on her opening 74.
In addition to the three leading teams, the biennial tournament has also drawn entries from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana.
South Africa won the inaugural event at the Phakalane Golf Estate in Botswana in 2007, and also lifted the title at the Nkonyeni Course in Swaziland in 2009 and Royal Harare in Zimbabwe in 2011.
Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy events are held biennially in West Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa and East/Central Africa and are financially supported by the Royal and Ancient of St Andrews (R&A).
TEAMS LEADERBOARD
266 South Africa 131-135
303 Swaziland 153-150
316 Namibia 161-155
321 Zimbabwe 165-156
415 Botswana 213-202
534 Lesotho 259-275
TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD
129 Magda Kruger (RSA) 65-64
141 Bianca Theron (RSA) 66-75
142 Lara Weinstein (RSA) 71-71
145 Nobuhle Dlamini (SWZ) 73-72
150 Sylvia Masango (RSA) 76-74
155 Jessica Dreesbiemdieke (NAM) 81-74; Batsirayi Tilowakuti (ZIM) 79-76
158 Theresa Fawcett (SWZ) 80-78
163 Wilna Bredenhann (NAM) 82-81
164 Caro Els (NAM) 80-84