Teenager surprises big names in Sanlam SA Woman’s Stroke Play

PRETORIA (14 April 2013) – The optimism that 15-year-old Eleonora Galletti felt standing on the first tee at Pretoria Country Club on a sunbathed Sunday morning was rewarded when she took the first round lead in the Sanlam South African Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

Galletti, who plays off a two handicap at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, opened with a one-over-par 73 to upstage some of the biggest names in South African women’s amateur golf. She’s one shot clear of another surprise contender Crystal Cooper.

Vanessa Smith, Kim Williams and Lara Weinstein all opened with rounds of three-over-par 75, while the country’s number one ranked amateur, Nobuhle Dlamini, opened with a four-over 76.

Cooper couldn’t hide her surprise at being only one off the lead in her first year focusing solely on golf. Vanessa is relishing being in contention against a field of teenagers. Lara Weinstein finished strongly with a birdie, par and eagle over her final three holes to keep her challenge on track.

Defending champion Nobuhle Dlamini wasn’t entirely satisfied with her opening 76, but remains optimistic for the next two rounds. “I felt the course played quite tough, and I struggled on the greens. But at least I’m still in there,” she said.

Leading Scores:

73 Eleonora Galletti

74 Crystal Cooper

75 Vanessa Smith, Lara Weinstein, Kim Williams

76 Nobuhle Dlamini, Michelle Swanepoel

77 Nicole Hannah, Gina Switala

78 Mae Cornforth, Tania Lyon

79 Maggi Du Toit, Carrie Park, Mercia Pretorius