SA reels in 11th AACT title in Kenya
For the 11th time since the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) launched in 1992, a South African women’s amateur team claimed success in Africa’s most prestigious biennial championship on Thursday.
Magda Kruger, Michaela Fletcher and Cara Gorlei showed the same tenacity, commitment and determination as their predecessors to ensure the country’s successful title defence at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
Fletcher from KwaZulu-Natal birdied three par-fives and the par-four on her way to a closing three-under-par 68 to safeguard the team’s six stroke overnight lead.
Western Province’s Gorlei added an 80, while Kruger from Gauteng North signed for a non-counting 81.
Rounds of 146, 148 and 148 secured an 11 stroke victory for South Africa on a winning score of 442.
Meanwhile Kenya held up under huge pressure from Tanzania to combine for a final round 151 to clinch the runner-up spot on 453.
Tanzania took third on 456 after posting a final round 150, while Zambia claimed fourth on 472, finishing six strokes ahead of neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Maritzburg’s Fletcher also claimed the Individual Competition on seven-over-par 220 after carding rounds of 79, 73 and 68, which was also the lowest round of the tournament.
Gorlei from Milnerton took second, finishing five strokes behind her compatriot, while Kruger finished seventh overall on 233.
“We are very proud of this team, who did an exceptionally good job against some very tough opponents,” said Womens Golf South Africa president, Karen Olivant.
“The course was quite challenging, but they showed a lot of grit and determination and didn’t let the course deter them from their goal to defend the title.
“Michaela and Cara both contributed two great rounds to boost our chances and Magda was the only player in the field over 54 holes to birdie the tough par-three second. I am very proud of their performance and they were fantastic ambassadors for South Africa and Womens Golf South Africa.”
TEAM RESULT
442 (+16) South Africa 146 148 148
453 (+27) Kenya 145 157 151
456 (+30) Tanzania 156 150 150
472 (+46) Zambia 156 159 157
478 (+52) Zimbabwe 163 158 157
496 (+70) Uganda 158 168 170
500 (+74) Egypt 166 168 166
514 (+88) Botswana 176 168 170
535 (+109) Nigeria 181 176 178
561 (+135) Cameroon 183 188 190
564 (+138) Gabon 201 185 178
569 (+143) Ghana 185 190 194
571 (+145) Tunisia 187 197 187
617 (+191) Malawi 209 203 205
635 (+209) Sierra Leone 208 214 213
644 (+218) Togo 214 213 217
676 (+250) Rwanda 216 230 230
CUMULATIVE INDIVIDUAL RESULT
220 (+7) Michaela Fletcher (RSA)
225 (+12) Cara Gorlei (RSA)
226 (+13) Josephine Ainley (KEN)
229 (+16) Madina Iddy (TNZ)
230 (+17) Naomi Wafula (KEN)
233 (+20) Angel Eaton (TNZ)
233 (+20) Magda Kruger (RSA)
234 (+21) Hawa Wanyeche (TNZ)
236 (+23) Melissa Nawa (ZAM)
237 (+24) Christina Engell Andersen (KEN)
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of Womens Golf South Africa.