13 June 2014
For the eleventh time since the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) was launched in 1992, the 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.
Excellent final round
Fletcher, from KwaZulu-Natal, birdied three par-fives and a 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.
Runner-up
Meanwhile, Kenya held up under huge pressure from Tanzania to combine for a final round of 151 to clinch the runner-up spot on 453.
Tanzania took third on 456 after posting a final round score of 150, while Zambia claimed fourth on 472, finishing six strokes ahead of neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Individual winner
Pietermaritzburg’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.
‘An exceptionally good job’
“We are very proud of this team, who did an exceptionally good job against some very tough opponents,” Women’s Golf South Africa president, Karen Olivant, said in a statement on Thursday.
“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 Women’s Golf South Africa.”
TEAM RESULTS
CUMULATIVE INDIVIDUAL RESULT
SAinfo reporter
