SA Women’s Amateur Match Play Champion Bonita Bredenhann earns her 2013 European Tour Card
Bonita, who did not have to pre-qualify for the event due to her WAGR points, was lying 3rd on 16 under par after 4 rounds. The field of 140 was then cut to the top 66 players for the 5th and final round. After a couple of expensive holes Bonita shot a 77, 5 over par, but finished tied 9th and joined an elite group of 30 players, and one of only 4 amateurs, who earned full playing rights for the 2013 European Tour.
As a Namibian citizen, Bonita plays under the Namibian flag but all her competitive golf has, in recent years, been played in South Africa. In January 2011 WGSA decided to include non-SA citizens in their Player Rankings and in two years Bonita climbed quickly up the ladder and finished in 4th position at the end of 2012.
Bonita intends to compete in February in two European Tour events, the New Zealand Women’s Open at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch and the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Canberra. Whilst her parents will sponsor her for these two events, they are actively looking for sponsors to assist as she settles into her professional career. Qualifying for the European Tour was a fantastic achievement and we heartily congratulate Bonita and wish her every success as she pursues her dream.
Picture above: Bonita Bredenhann