SA lifts fifth successive RAACT title

South Africa celebrated their fifth consecutive victory in the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (RAACT) with an impressive final round performance at Omeya Golf Club in Windhoek, Namibia on Thursday.

For a third day running, Cara Gorlei partnered Demi Flanagan to post a final round 145 that secured the victory for South Africa on a winning total of seven-over-par 439.

The South African team finished 30 strokes clear of nearest challengers Zimbabwe, who overhauled Namibia with to claim second.

Batsirai Tilowakuti shot 76 and Aulia Alfazema carded an 80 to give Zimbabwe a closing 156 and a 14 stroke edge over the host nation.

Caro Els returned an 82 and Nadia Schmidt an 85 for a final round 167 and third place on 483, while Botswane took fourth on 537 and Lesotho fifth on 647.

Province number one Gorlei was once again the only player in the field to break par.

The Milnerton golfer returned a two under 70 to lead the South African team, while Flanagan from Border carded a 75. Gauteng’s Shawnelle de Lange signed for a non-counting 77.

“Cara’s rounds of 69, 74 and 70 earned her the top spot in the Individual Standings with a 13 stroke lead on even-par 213,” said Womens Golf South Africa president, Karen Olivant.

“Although Demi couldn’t reproduce the hot form that carried her to the winner’s circle in the Bank Windhoek Namibia Amateur Ladies Stroke Play Championship on the weekend, she did exceptionally well in her international debut to finish second on 226.

“Despite all her struggles, Shawnelle managed to finish fifth overall and she showed great determination and fighting spirit.

“We have won the title again, but there is no doubt that all five teams walked away winners in terms of grown, experience and development. Everyone was inspired to dig a little deeper, focus a little longer and learn from each other.

“Omeya Golf Club was a spectacular venue and presented us with a wonderful golf course, and the Namibian Amateur Ladies Golf Union were fantastic hosts to all of us this week.

“And I would like to add a special word of thanks to Bank Windhoek, who has loyally supported ladies golf in Namibia for the past 25 years.”

In addition to the Southern Africa RAACT, three more Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy events are held biennially in West Africa, North Africa and East/Central Africa. All these tournaments are financially supported by the Royal and Ancient of St Andrews (R&A).

FINAL RESULT
439 South Africa 147 147 145
469 Zimbabwe 155 158 156
483 Namibia 155 161 167
537 Botswana 185 181 171
647 Lesotho 211 209 227

PHOTO – The South African team won a fifth successive Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy title at Omeya Golf Club in Namibia, Windhoek. From left to right: Gauteng’s Shawnelle de Lange, Cara Gorlei from Western Province and Demi Flanagan from Border; credit WGSA.

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.

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