Rugby World Cup winners Schalk Burger, Schalk Brits and Steven Kitshoff all turned up to play an official pro-am round with South Africa’s top-ranked Alexander, who this week climbed to a career high of 40th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

And after losing in a playoff for last week’s Joburg Ladies Open, Alexander has her sights firmly set on the Investec South African Women’s Open crown.

“I’m excited for the week. This is the big one. It’s our home title. It’s the one every South African wants to win. It’s definitely a special week,” she said at the venerable Royal Cape Golf Club ahead of Thursday’s first round of this Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned tournament.

Alexander finished second in this event last year, and also has previous finishes of fourth and seventh in her national Open. As she continues her climb up the world rankings and as the dominant face of South African women’s professional golf, a victory in the Investec South African Women’s Open would be a very timely confirmation of her undoubted rise in the game.

“I actually got a Facebook reminder of my post last year after I won the Investec Order of Merit, and I’d written that I was really happy to jump into the top 100 in the world. It’s pretty cool to see that this time last year I was top 100 and now I’m top 40. Hopefully we keep going. It’s something I’m proud of, but at the same time you have to keep working on it because it’s so easy to drop down again,” she said.

“I’ve been playing this golf course since I was young. We’ve also had a few Sunshine Ladies Tour events here over the years. I like the course. It’s a great layout and if the wind gets going it can be tough. You’ve also got to hit good tee shots with the trees here. It is very soft with all the rain we’ve had so I think the scores will be low. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Her own challenge comes at a time when Investec have strengthened their significant commitment to the women’s game in South Africa.

“This is our ninth consecutive year as title sponsor of the Investec South African Women’s Open, and we’re at the oldest golf club in South Africa this week. We’ve deepened our investment in South African women’s golf with a five-year renewal of our sponsorship of the Investec South African Women’s Open, the Investec Order of Merit, the Investec Homegrown Award and our sponsored golfers, and from next year we’ll be adding R1 million to the prize purse as we continue to address pay parity and elevate the national Open, and give our women’s professionals and the talent we have in this country the opportunity to play, perform and earn,” said Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships, Investec.

Here is what Casandra Alexander had to say:

The post Alexander chasing her place in Investec SA Women’s Open history appeared first on SportsClub.

Laisne won with a birdie on the final hole of a marathon playoff to claim her second Ladies European Tour title.

“That was stressful with a lot of trips back to 18, but I’m glad it ended well,” said Laisne.

This final round had everything in it.

South Africa’s Casandra Alexander went into the final round four shots off the lead and surged through the field with two eagles on the front nine and then a key stretch of four birdies in five holes on the back nine for a 66 to finish on 19 under par.

She had an opportunity to win outright on 20 under par, but after a lightning delay she returned to bogey the last and fall into a playoff with Laisne and Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley. Laisne closed with a 69 and Rudgeley a 67.

Playing the par-five 18th the first time, Alexander was knocked out with a par to the birdies of her two opponents.

And then Laisne and Rudgeley went at each other with some of the best playoff golf seen on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.

They both birdied the second playoff hole. Then they parred the third playoff hole.

With darkness falling and in attempt to get a result, the position of the hole was recut. It didn’t deter both Laisne and Rudgeley who birdied the hole again.

The hole was then shortened to a par three, and Laisne made the crucial birdie to win.

Here is what Agathe Laisne had to say:

SCORES

273 – Agathe Laisne (FRA) 66 73 65 69 WN
273 – Kirsten Rudgeley (AUS) 70 67 69 67 KO
273 – Casandra Alexander 69 71 67 66 KO
276 – Celine Herbin (FRA) 68 67 68 73
277 – Cara Gainer (ENG) 69 71 69 68
277 – Pia Babnik (SVN) 68 71 69 69
278 – Kajsa Arwefjall (SWE) 71 67 68 72
279 – Luna Sobron Galmes (ESP) 69 73 70 67
280 – Brianna Navarrosa (USA) 66 69 71 74
281 – Emma Falcher (FRA) 70 70 71 70
281 – Morgane Metraux (SUI) 69 72 70 70
282 – Ariane Klotz (FRA) 66 72 70 74
283 – Olivia Cowan (GER) 71 71 72 69
283 – Vanessa Knecht (SUI) 70 73 70 70, Tina Mazarino (NOR) 69 69 73 72, Sofie Kibsgaard (DEN) 71 70 70 72, Amelia Garvey (NZL) 71 71 68 73, Camille Chevalier (FRA) 70 66 67 80
284 – Anna Zanusso (ITA) 71 70 72 71
284 – Alice Hewson (ENG) 70 72 70 72, Patricia Isabel Schmidt (GER) 70 73 68 73, Hannah Screen (ENG) 69 74 68 73, Blanca Fernandez (ESP) 70 73 67 74
285 – Ana Dawson (IMN) 72 72 72 69
285 – Kelsey Bennett (AUS) 70 73 73 69, Anna Huang (CAN) 74 70 70 71, Alexandra Forsterling (GER) 72 71 71 71, Gabrielle Venter 72 70 72 71, Momoka Kobori (NZL) 71 71 72 71, Celina Sattelkau (GER) 73 69 72 71, Ana Pelaez Trivino (ESP) 71 67 75 72, Alessia Nobilio (ITA) 72 68 72 73, Danielle du Toit 71 70 71 73, Maha Haddioui (MAR) 69 68 74 74, Laura Beveridge (SCO) 67 72 72 74
286 – Pranavi Urs (IND) 70 74 70 72
286 – Annabell Fuller (ENG) 71 72 71 72
287 – Dorthea Forbrigd (NOR) 69 75 72 71
287 – Louisa Carlbom (SWE) 69 74 73 71, Justice Bosio (AUS) 67 76 73 71, Corinne Viden (SWE) 71 73 70 73, Nobuhle Dlamini (SWZ) 72 71 71 73, Anna Foster (IRL) 71 69 74 73
288 – Anna Morgan (USA) 72 72 74 70
288 – Darcey Harry (WAL) 71 72 74 71, Ginnie Ding (HKG) 72 69 75 72, Aunchisa Utama (THA) 72 71 72 73, Lydia Hall (WAL) 68 71 76 73
289 – Lucie Vachova (CZE) 72 69 77 71
289 – Jess Baker (BRI) 67 70 77 75, Verena Gimmy (GER) 70 71 71 77
290 – Emie Peronnin (FRA) 69 73 75 73
291 – Cara Gorlei 73 68 74 76
292 – Charlotte Heath (ENG) 72 72 76 72
292 – April Angurasaranee (THA) 70 70 79 73, Marta Sanz Barrio (ESP) 75 69 71 77, Sophie Witt (GER) 70 69 74 79
295 – Zane Kleynhans 73 71 76 75
295 – Madelene Stavnar (NOR) 70 73 75 77
297 – Hannah Darling (SCO) 74 69 81 73

Issued by Michael Vlismas Media

The post Laisne wins Joburg Ladies Open after marathon playoff appeared first on SportsClub.

Simpson carded a final round of one-under-par 70 to win on 19 under par, three shots clear of Simon du Plooy (66) and Austin Bautista (68).

Simpson took a five-shot lead into the final round but started with a double-bogey on the first and then a bogey on the third. He steadied his round with two birdies thereafter, then added an eagle on the par-five 11th. He birdied 13 and bogeyed 14 before parring his way to the title.

Du Plooy, who was as much as seven shots behind at the start of the round, threatened to catch Simpson on the back nine and was just two shots behind after his birdie on the 16th. But a bogey on 17 ended his challenge.

“I made it hard for myself early on at the start of the round, but I’m just really happy with the way I handled myself. I didn’t take myself out of it,” Simpson said.

“I’m just learning every day I’m out here and taking a lot of advice from the more experienced pros. I also just slowed my walk down and I slowed my tempo down. I just believed in myself to be honest,” Simpson said.

Bautista’s share of second continued his excellent form that saw him end last season with finishes of eighth and seventh and now start the new season with a second place.

The Sunshine Tour travels across the border for its next event, the FBC Zim Open at Royal Harare Golf Club from 7-10 May.

SCORES

265 – Samuel Simpson 64 69 62 70
268 – Simon du Plooy 65 69 68 66
268 – Austin Bautista 65 66 69 68
269 – Christiaan Burke 66 69 66 68
270 – Jaco Prinsloo 67 67 66 70
270 – Travis Procter 70 66 64 70
271 – Martin Vorster 66 68 69 68
271 – Graham van der Merwe 68 70 65 68, Tristen Strydom 69 68 66 68
272 – Hennie O’Kennedy 72 66 66 68
272 – Stals Swart 70 67 69 66, Jean Hugo 69 70 64 69, Wynand Dingle 68 64 69 71
273 – Martin Rohwer 69 70 66 68
273 – Cole Stevens 72 63 71 67, Louis Albertse 68 70 68 67, Adam Breen 66 68 69 70, Warwick Purchase 70 67 66 70, Jacques Van der Merwe 71 67 70 65, Daniel Cronje 71 65 73 64, Benjamin Van Wyk 66 71 65 71, Keagan Thomas 65 67 68 73
274 – Pieter Moolman 68 70 67 69
274 – Gerhard Pepler 66 68 71 69, Thomas Spreadborough 66 69 70 69, Keenan Davidse 69 66 69 70, Ruan Korb 68 67 69 70, Dylan Naidoo 69 69 68 68, Haydn Porteous 67 67 68 72
275 – Ockie Strydom 72 64 68 71
276 – Pierre Viallaneix 67 67 71 71
276 – Jordan Burnand 70 66 70 70, MJ Viljoen 64 74 66 72, Jack Davidson 67 69 71 69, Keegan Mclachlan 63 68 71 74
277 – Doug McGuigan 70 66 69 72
277 – Yurav Premlall 66 71 68 72, Allen John 69 68 69 71, Deon Germishuys 68 70 66 73, Wilco Nienaber 68 68 68 73, Albert Venter 69 68 71 69
278 – Anthony Michael 69 67 70 72
279 – Liam Grehan 71 63 72 73
279 – Ryan Van Velzen 70 66 71 72, Jonathan Broomhead 69 66 72 72
280 – Brandon Pieters 70 67 70 73
280 – Hayden Griffiths 69 69 69 73, Tyran Snyders 66 72 71 71
282 – Martin Leon 66 69 74 73
284 – Travis Ladner 70 69 72 73
284 – Njoroge Kibugu 69 69 74 72
285 – James Mack 71 68 75 71
285 – Tyrone Ryan 67 72 76 70
287 – Merrick Bremner 67 72 72 76
WDN – Jaco Van Zyl 66 71 71 WDN

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Simpson claims season-opening Mediclinic Invitational appeared first on SportsClub.

A 45-minute weather delay and then an afternoon of rain meant the second round will have to be completed on Saturday morning.

Navarrosa was one of those who managed to finish her round with a 69 to share the lead with France’s Celine Herbin – who signed for a 67 – on 11 under par.

They are one stroke clear of France’s Camille Chevalier, who posted a 66 earlier in the day.

Casandra Alexander is the leading South African on six under following her second round of 71.

Navarrosa packs a powerful game into her five-foot frame, and on Friday she again relished the opportunity to be aggressive on Randpark’s Firethorn course.

“You can be aggressive into these greens, which are really receptive because of the weather. So being able to throw my irons and wedges right at the pins has been really nice,” she said.

She did exactly that when she returned from the weather delay and made three consecutive birdies.

“I think the delay felt like a fresh start for me. I was just really hungry, so coming in during that weather delay really helped me. But if you had told me I’d play like this in this weather I would’ve been surprised. My main goal was just to stay patient, keep my head straight, and take it one shot at a time. I’m excited for the weekend. I’ll just put it all out there on the weekend.”

Alongside her, Herbin has also taken advantage of the opportunity to play the aggressive golf she enjoys.

“I really enjoy this course, and the greens are running so pure. I like to be aggressive and go for the flags. But I’ve been working hard. It’s my 15th year fulltime on the Ladies European Tour and I like to work hard to still be competitive,” she said.

SCORES

-11 – Celine Herbin (FRA) 68 67
-11 – Brianna Navarrosa (USA) 66 69
-10 – Camille Chevalier (FRA) 70 66
-9 – Kirsten Rudgeley (AUS) 70 67
-9 – Jess Baker (BRI) 67 70, Maha Haddioui (MAR) 69 68
-8 – Tina Mazarino (NOR) 69 69
-8 – Ana Pelaez Trivino (ESP) 71 67, Kajsa Arwefjall (SWE) 71 67
-7 – Laura Beveridge (SCO) 67 72
-7 – Pia Babnik (SVN) 68 71, Lydia Hall (WAL) 68 71, Sophie Witt (GER) 70 69, Agathe Laisne (FRA) 66 73
-6 – April Angurasaranee (THA) 70 70
-6 – Alessia Nobilio (ITA) 72 68, Anna Foster (IRL) 71 69, Emma Falcher (FRA) 70 70, Casandra Alexander 69 71, Cara Gainer (ENG) 69 71, Ariane Klotz (FRA) 66 (+1) [16], Vanessa Knecht (SUI) 70 (-3) [15]
-5 – Lucie Vachova (CZE) 72 69
-5 – Verena Gimmy (GER) 70 71, Sofie Kibsgaard (DEN) 71 70, Danielle du Toit 71 70, Ginnie Ding (HKG) 72 69, Morgane Metraux (SUI) 69 72, Anna Zanusso (ITA) 71 70, Cara Gorlei 73 (-5) [16]
-4 – Celina Sattelkau (GER) 73 69
-4 – Momoka Kobori (NZL) 71 71, Emie Peronnin (FRA) 69 73, Gabrielle Venter 72 70, Luna Sobron Galmes (ESP) 69 73, Amelia Garvey (NZL) 71 71, Olivia Cowan (GER) 71 71, Alice Hewson (ENG) 70 72, Aunchisa Utama (THA) 72 (-3) [16]
-3 – Kelsey Bennett (AUS) 70 73
-3 – Justice Bosio (AUS) 67 76, Hannah Screen (ENG) 69 74, Patricia Isabel Schmidt (GER) 70 73, Madelene Stavnar (NOR) 70 73, Nobuhle Dlamini (SWZ) 72 71, Annabell Fuller (ENG) 71 72, Alexandra Forsterling (GER) 72 71, Blanca Fernandez (ESP) 70 73, Darcey Harry (WAL) 71 72, Louisa Carlbom (SWE) 69 74, Zane Kleynhans 73 (-3) [15], Hannah Darling (SCO) 74 (-4) [15]
-2 – Marta Sanz Barrio (ESP) 75 69
-2 – Corinne Viden (SWE) 71 73, Anna Huang (CAN) 74 70, Anna Morgan (USA) 72 72, Ana Dawson (IMN) 72 72, Pranavi Urs (IND) 70 74, Charlotte Heath (ENG) 72 72, Dorthea Forbrigd (NOR) 69 (+2) [16]
Missed the cut:-
-1 – Lily May Humphreys (ENG) 71 74
-1 – Lois Lau (FRA) 73 72, Esme Hamilton (ENG) 72 73, Fernanda Lira (MEX) 75 70, Hannah Burke (ENG) 73 72, Tvesa Malik (IND) 72 73, Emma Grechi (FRA) 72 73, Diksha Dagar (IND) 72 73, Amaia Latorre (ESP) 73 (-1) [15]
Par – Lee-Anne Pace 72 74
Par – Meghan MacLaren (ENG) 72 74, Caitlyn Macnab 71 75, Romy Meekers (NED) 70 76, Patricie Mackova (CZE) 73 73
+1 – Gudrun Bjorgvinsdottir (ISL) 73 74
+1 – Kiera Floyd 71 76, Amy Taylor (ENG) 73 74, Klara Davidson Spilkova (CZE) 74 73, Gemma Clews (ENG) 75 72, Lisa Coetzer (a) 75 72, Amy Lee (USA) 69 78, Lorna McClymont (SCO) 72 75, Emma Spitz (AUT) 75 72, Olivia Mehaffey (NIR) 73 (+1) [15], Luca Thompson (WAL) 72 (+2) [15]
+2 – Anne-Charlotte Mora (FRA) 73 75
+2 – Ayako Uehara (JPN) 75 73, Carolin Kauffmann (GER) 74 74, Lianna Bailey (ENG) 74 74, Cecilie Finne-Ipsen (DEN) 71 77, Chloe Salort (FRA) 70 78, Tereza Melecka (CZE) 73 75, Maria Parra (ESP) 76 72, Alexandra Swayne (ISV) 72 76, Thalia Martin (ENG) 72 76, Agathe Sauzon (FRA) 76 72, Nadia van der Westhuizen 70 (+5) [16], Katharina Mühlbauer (AUT) 75 (Par) [16]
+3 – Marianne Skarpnord (NOR) 75 74
+3 – Avani Prashanth (IND) 75 74
+4 – Louise Rydqvist (SWE) 75 75
+4 – Stacy Bregman 76 74, Roberta Liti (ITA) 76 74, Gabriella Cowley (ENG) 74 76, Harang Lee (ESP) 70 (+7) [16]
+5 – Hitaashee Bakshi (IND) 77 74
+5 – Marta Martin (ESP) 75 76
+6 – Anne-Lise Caudal (FRA) 77 75
+6 – Lucie Malchirand (FRA) 76 76, Sanna Nuutinen (FIN) 77 (+2) [15]
+7 – Emily Penttila (FIN) 76 77
+7 – Doris Chen (TPE) 75 78
+8 – Aine Donegan (IRL) 81 73
+8 – Andrea Lignell (SWE) 78 76, Ellen Hume (ENG) 78 76
+9 – Hayley Davis (ENG) 80 75
+9 – Jordan Rothman 77 78
+10 – Amalie Leth-Nissen (DEN) 75 81
+12 – Kaiyuree Moodley 78 80
+20 – Thalia Kirby (ENG) 80 (+13) [15]

Here is what Celine Herbin had to say:

Here is what Brianna Navarrosa had to say:

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Joint leader Navarrosa hungry for Joburg Ladies Open title appeared first on SportsClub.

Simpson climbed to 18 under par and will take a commanding five-shot lead into Saturday’s final round.

Travis Procter impressed with a seven-under-par 64 and is in joint second place with Jaco Prinsloo (66), Keagan Thomas (68), and Austin Bautista (69) on 13 under par.

Simpson started his round with back-to-back birdies on the first and second holes followed by another birdie on the ninth. He carried that momentum into the back nine and came home in 29 with six birdies.

“Today was really good. I definitely wasn’t pushing for the score, it’s just a result of me feeling pretty calm out there and enjoying being at the top of the leaderboard. Being on Tour for the last three or four years now, I definitely feel more comfortable in that position and am back to how I was feeling as an amateur golfer,” Simpson said.

Simpson has steadily been improving since turning professional and playing on the Sunshine Tour, and then winning the Mopani Zambian Open in June last year.

“I had a great amateur career, but I feel like I have been holding back a bit. I am now just letting it go and playing golf. The win in Zambia has really helped me getting into the bigger events and being exposed to some of the great players, and learning as much as I can along the way. This week I am just playing with a lot of freedom and the score is just a result of that,” he said.

Heading into the final round with a five-shot lead, Simpson said he will play his own game as he hunts a second Sunshine Tour title.

“I am looking forward to it. There will be different feelings and emotions as to what I have experienced before being in the lead by that much, but the goal is to just play with freedom. I would love to extend that lead and will play how I want to play. If that puts me at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the round, then I will be happy. I will hopefully be lifting the trophy at the end.”

SCORES

195 – Samuel Simpson 64 69 62
200 – Travis Procter 70 66 64
200 – Jaco Prinsloo 67 67 66, Keagan Thomas 65 67 68, Austin Bautista 65 66 69
201 – Christiaan Burke 66 69 66
201 – Wynand Dingle 68 64 69
202 – Benjamin Van Wyk 66 71 65
202 – Haydn Porteous 67 67 68, Simon du Plooy 65 69 68, Keegan Mclachlan 63 68 71
203 – Warwick Purchase 70 67 66
203 – Tristen Strydom 69 68 66, Graham van der Merwe 68 70 65, Martin Vorster 66 68 69, Jean Hugo 69 70 64, Adam Breen 66 68 69
204 – Wilco Nienaber 68 68 68
204 – Ockie Strydom 72 64 68, MJ Viljoen 64 74 66, Ruan Korb 68 67 69, Keenan Davidse 69 66 69, Deon Germishuys 68 70 66, Hennie O’Kennedy 72 66 66
205 – Yurav Premlall 66 71 68
205 – Doug McGuigan 70 66 69, Thomas Spreadborough 66 69 70, Pieter Moolman 68 70 67, Pierre Viallaneix 67 67 71, Gerhard Pepler 66 68 71, Martin Rohwer 69 70 66
206 – Jordan Burnand 70 66 70
206 – Anthony Michael 69 67 70, Allen John 69 68 69, Stals Swart 70 67 69, Cole Stevens 72 63 71, Louis Albertse 68 70 68, Dylan Naidoo 69 69 68, Liam Grehan 71 63 72
207 – Jack Davidson 67 69 71
207 – Brandon Pieters 70 67 70, Ryan Van Velzen 70 66 71, Jonathan Broomhead 69 66 72, Hayden Griffiths 69 69 69
208 – Jaco Van Zyl 66 71 71
208 – Albert Venter 69 68 71, Jacques Van der Merwe 71 67 70
209 – Daniel Cronje 71 65 73
209 – Tyran Snyders 66 72 71, Martin Leon 66 69 74
211 – Travis Ladner 70 69 72
211 – Merrick Bremner 67 72 72
212 – Njoroge Kibugu 69 69 74
214 – James Mack 71 68 75
215 – Tyrone Ryan 67 72 76

Here is what Samuel Simpson had to say:

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Simpson sizzles with 62 to lead Mediclinic Invitational appeared first on SportsClub.

Bautista carded a bogey-free round of five-under-par 66 to share the lead with McLachlan, who signed for a three-under-par 68, on 11 under par.

They are one shot clear of the South African duo of Keagan Thomas (67) and Wynand Dingle (64).

Bautista finished off last season in impressive form, with eighth in The Courier Guy Playoffs and seventh in the DNi Tour Championship on his way to a final placing of 15th on the Courier Guy Order of Merit.

McLachlan did well to keep his title chase on track despite two bogeys in his round, and not having his A-game with him.

“Today was a bit more of a grind than yesterday. I just didn’t hit the ball as well and didn’t roll in as many putts as yesterday. But overall I am happy with the round. I managed it well. I played the front nine solid, missed a few putts, but had some good up-and-downs that kept the momentum going. I finished with two nice birdies,” said McLachlan.

His bogey on the 12th came after he hit his tee shot into the hazard. But he made up for that with a solid chip to within half a foot of the hole on 13 for a birdie there. His second bogey on the 16th hole came after one of his best drives this week, but which found the fairway bunker. The rollercoaster continued as he responded with a long birdie putt on the par-three 17th hole.

As the joint leader heading into the final two rounds, McLachlan is looking forward to the challenge of chasing a maiden Sunshine Tour title.

“I will have the same approach and have fun. The nerves will be there, but you must use it to your advantage. I am happy with the start but there is still a long way to go. I’ve got to stick to what I am doing well and whatever happens, happens,” McLachlan said.

SCORES

131 – Austin Bautista 65 66
131 – Keegan Mclachlan 63 68
132 – Keagan Thomas 65 67
132 – Wynand Dingle 68 64
133 – Samuel Simpson 64 69
134 – Adam Breen 66 68
134 – Simon du Plooy 65 69, Liam Grehan 71 63, Gerhard Pepler 66 68, Jaco Prinsloo 67 67, Pierre Viallaneix 67 67, Martin Vorster 66 68, Haydn Porteous 67 67
135 – Martin Leon 66 69
135 – Keenan Davidse 69 66, Jonathan Broomhead 69 66, Ruan Korb 68 67, Thomas Spreadborough 66 69, Cole Stevens 72 63, Christiaan Burke 66 69
136 – Doug McGuigan 70 66
136 – Anthony Michael 69 67, Travis Procter 70 66, Daniel Cronje 71 65, Ockie Strydom 72 64, Wilco Nienaber 68 68, Ryan Van Velzen 70 66, Jordan Burnand 70 66, Jack Davidson 67 69
137 – Jaco Van Zyl 66 71
137 – Brandon Pieters 70 67, Warwick Purchase 70 67, Tristen Strydom 69 68, Albert Venter 69 68, Allen John 69 68, Stals Swart 70 67, Yurav Premlall 66 71, Benjamin Van Wyk 66 71
138 – Njoroge Kibugu 69 69
138 – MJ Viljoen 64 74, Jacques Van der Merwe 71 67, Tyran Snyders 66 72, Graham van der Merwe 68 70, Louis Albertse 68 70, Pieter Moolman 68 70, Deon Germishuys 68 70, Dylan Naidoo 69 69, Hennie O’Kennedy 72 66, Hayden Griffiths 69 69
139 – Travis Ladner 70 69
139 – Merrick Bremner 67 72, Jean Hugo 69 70, Tyrone Ryan 67 72, James Mack 71 68, Martin Rohwer 69 70
Missed the cut:-
140 – Toto Thimba Jnr 73 67
140 – Oliver Goldhill 70 70, Altin van der Merwe 70 70
141 – Jaden Deltel 68 73
141 – Nikhil Rama 72 69, Tristin Galant 70 71, Rigardt Albertse 70 71, Ryan van der Klis 71 70, Franklin Manchest 72 69, Neil Schietekat 71 70, Kyle Barker 71 70
142 – Otto Van Buynder 69 73
142 – Jacques Blaauw 71 71, Rhys West 69 73, Trevor Fisher Jnr 73 69, Conner Mackenzie 69 73, Keanu Pestana 73 69, Eric Wowor 70 72, Xander Basson 69 73, Benjamin Follett-Smith 68 74, Luke Brown 69 73, Peter Karmis 73 69
143 – Rupert Kaminski 70 73
143 – Ethan Smith 72 71
144 – Charl Barnard 69 75
144 – Dian Kruger 75 69, Stuart Krog 73 71, Astin Arthur 67 77, Matthew Spacey 79 65, Lyle Rowe 74 70, Morris Schiefner 73 71
145 – Carter Rowe 73 72
145 – Keelan Africa 77 68, Kyle McClatchie 74 71, Leon Vorster 75 70, Shaydon Johnson 76 69, Sentanio Minnie 71 74, Dillon Germshuys 75 70, Estiaan Conradie 72 73, Thanda Mavundla 71 74, Kian Rose 73 72
146 – Jordan Duminy 75 71
146 – Malcolm Mitchell 73 73
147 – Ruan de Smidt 72 75
147 – Callum Mowat 73 74, Shaunak Rama 71 76, Jacquin Hess 71 76, Matt Millar 73 74, Jacques P de Villiers 77 70
148 – Greg Snow 77 71
148 – Ricky Hendler 71 77, Heinrich Bruiners 73 75, CJ du Plessis 72 76, Vuyisani Makama 77 71, Quintin Wilsnach 76 72
149 – Karabo Mokoena 73 76
149 – Lyle Pedro 77 72
150 – Dylan Mostert 74 76
151 – Tumelo Molloyi 77 74
151 – Kayle Wykes 75 76, Steven Le Roux 81 70
152 – Khaya Jika 77 75
152 – Joe Sullivan 76 76
153 – Tristan Leonard 73 80
153 – Jaydon Galant 80 73
156 – Khanya Mkhize 77 79
RTD – Louis de Jager 75 RTD

Issued by Michael Vlismas Media

The post Bautista and McLachlan tied at the top in Mediclinic Invitational appeared first on SportsClub.

Alexander opened with a four-under-par 69 and is chasing the shared lead of French duo Agathe Laisne and Ariane Klotz, and American Brianna Navarrosa on seven under par.

The leading trio are one stroke clear of the field after an opening day where a soft and receptive golf course made for good scoring.

Alexander teed off her round on the 10th and shrugged off an early bogey with five birdies, an eagle and a further two bogeys thereafter.

“I wasn’t too worried about starting with a bogey on 10. That is one of the tougher holes on this course, so my caddie and I said in our prep for the week that if we could make par there all week we’d be happy because it is a tougher hole. So I didn’t panic with that opening bogey. It wasn’t a solid round. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but a tidy rollercoaster,” she said.

She briefly held a share of the on-course lead with her eagle on the par-five second hole, her 11th hole.

“I hit a really good tee shot and had a nice number for my four iron in, so just trusted it off the left with the wind from that direction. And I rolled the putt in. An easy way to make an eagle, I guess.”

Alexander is looking to become only the second multiple winner of the Joburg Ladies Open following her victory in 2021, and which would see her join Ashleigh Buhai as the only players to have achieved this.

“It’s still early days, but it’s nice to shoot an under par round on day one. I had a disappointing bogey finish with a three putt, but that’s golf and it happens. I’ve hopefully got three days of good golf to come.”

At the top of the leaderboard, Laisne dropped only one shot in her round. She arrived in South Africa in terrific form having claimed her maiden victory on the Ladies European Tour in Australia in February and a runners-up finish in the Women’s Australian Open in March. She’s currently second on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit behind Alexander, and is one of the few players who chooses not to have a caddie.

“I like to do my own thing. I don’t have to worry about when the caddie is arriving at the course. I can work according to my own timing,” she said.

SCORES

66 – Agathe Laisne (FRA)
66 – Brianna Navarrosa (USA), Ariane Klotz (FRA)
67 – Laura Beveridge (SCO)
67 – Justice Bosio (AUS), Jess Baker (BRI)
68 – Pia Babnik (SVN)
68 – Lydia Hall (WAL), Celine Herbin (FRA)
69 – Amy Lee (USA)
69 – Emie Peronnin (FRA), Luna Sobron Galmes (ESP), Maha Haddioui (MAR), Casandra Alexander, Cara Gainer (ENG), Louisa Carlbom (SWE), Dorthea Forbrigd (NOR), Hannah Screen (ENG), Morgane Metraux (SUI), Tina Mazarino (NOR)
70 – Romy Meekers (NED)
70 – Pranavi Urs (IND), Blanca Fernandez (ESP), Alice Hewson (ENG), Nadia van der Westhuizen, Harang Lee (ESP), Vanessa Knecht (SUI), Verena Gimmy (GER), Kelsey Bennett (AUS), April Angurasaranee (THA), Camille Chevalier (FRA), Kirsten Rudgeley (AUS), Patricia Isabel Schmidt (GER), Emma Falcher (FRA), Madelene Stavnar (NOR), Chloe Salort (FRA), Sophie Witt (GER)
71 – Annabell Fuller (ENG)
71 – Ana Pelaez Trivino (ESP), Kajsa Arwefjall (SWE), Amelia Garvey (NZL), Olivia Cowan (GER), Darcey Harry (WAL), Kiera Floyd, Corinne Viden (SWE), Lily May Humphreys (ENG), Cecilie Finne-Ipsen (DEN), Sofie Kibsgaard (DEN), Danielle du Toit, Momoka Kobori (NZL), Anna Foster (IRL), Anna Zanusso (ITA), Caitlyn Macnab
72 – Ana Dawson (IMN)
72 – Tvesa Malik (IND), Emma Grechi (FRA), Thalia Martin (ENG), Gabrielle Venter, Alexandra Swayne (ISV), Lorna McClymont (SCO), Alexandra Forsterling (GER), Diksha Dagar (IND), Charlotte Heath (ENG), Aunchisa Utama (THA), Luca Thompson (WAL), Lucie Vachova (CZE), Alessia Nobilio (ITA), Meghan MacLaren (ENG), Esme Hamilton (ENG), Lee-Anne Pace, Ginnie Ding (HKG), Anna Morgan (USA), Nobuhle Dlamini (SWZ)
73 – Patricie Mackova (CZE)
73 – Cara Gorlei, Amaia Latorre (ESP), Olivia Mehaffey (NIR), Zane Kleynhans, Gudrun Bjorgvinsdottir (ISL), Anne-Charlotte Mora (FRA), Amy Taylor (ENG), Lois Lau (FRA), Celina Sattelkau (GER), Hannah Burke (ENG), Tereza Melecka (CZE)
74 – Gabriella Cowley (ENG)
74 – Hannah Darling (SCO), Carolin Kauffmann (GER), Lianna Bailey (ENG), Anna Huang (CAN), Klara Davidson Spilkova (CZE)
75 – Lisa Coetzer (a)
75 – Marianne Skarpnord (NOR), Doris Chen (TPE), Emma Spitz (AUT), Marta Martin (ESP), Avani Prashanth (IND), Katharina Mühlbauer (AUT), Marta Sanz Barrio (ESP), Ayako Uehara (JPN), Louise Rydqvist (SWE), Fernanda Lira (MEX), Gemma Clews (ENG), Amalie Leth-Nissen (DEN)
76 – Maria Parra (ESP)
76 – Emily Penttila (FIN), Stacy Bregman, Agathe Sauzon (FRA), Roberta Liti (ITA), Lucie Malchirand (FRA)
77 – Jordan Rothman
77 – Hitaashee Bakshi (IND), Sanna Nuutinen (FIN), Anne-Lise Caudal (FRA)
78 – Kaiyuree Moodley
78 – Andrea Lignell (SWE), Ellen Hume (ENG)
80 – Thalia Kirby (ENG)
80 – Hayley Davis (ENG)
81 – Aine Donegan (IRL)

Issued by Michael Vlismas Media

The post Alexander three off the pace in Joburg Ladies Open appeared first on SportsClub.

After losing his Sunshine Tour card at the end of last season, McLachlan has started the new season with a vengeance and earned himself a one-shot lead over MJ Viljoen and Samuel Simpson.

McLachlan started his round on the 10th and rolled in two birdies and an eagle in his first seven holes.

“I got off to a solid start and was one under par through the first five holes after missing two short birdie putts on the 12th and 13th holes. I chipped in from 50 meters for an eagle on the 15th hole, which felt like it kickstarted my round. On the 16th hole I made an 18-foot putt to turn in four under par,” he said.

With the weather closing in, McLachlan kept the momentum going and picked up three birdies in the opening three holes of his second nine, before adding a final birdie on the sixth – his 15th hole.

“When I got to the second green the wind was really pumping and the rain started to come down. I ended up hitting a six-iron into the third hole from 165 meters because of the rain and wind, and it ended up half a foot from the pin – I almost made a hole-in-one. It was a nice way to start the back nine – birdie, birdie, birdie. For the rest of the round I played solid golf and just stuck to my gameplan.”

Since his joint 10th place at the 2023 Vodacom Origins of Golf KwaZulu-Natal, McLachlan struggled with his game and ultimately lost his Sunshine Tour card at the end of last season. Things, however, seem to be moving in the right direction this season.

“The last season I would say has been quite a struggle with my swing and it took a toll on my confidence mentally. I moved to a new coach in the beginning of the year – Athol Dowie – and he is keeping it very simple for me with a long-term process working on my swing. My short game has always been good, and now I am driving the ball nicely. It’s a big help on a course like this,” McLachlan said.

SCORES

63 – Keegan Mclachlan
64 – MJ Viljoen
64 – Samuel Simpson
65 – Keagan Thomas
65 – Austin Bautista, Simon du Plooy
66 – Tyran Snyders
66 – Gerhard Pepler, Christiaan Burke, Martin Vorster, Yurav Premlall, Benjamin Van Wyk, Adam Breen, Martin Leon, Jaco Van Zyl, Thomas Spreadborough
67 – Astin Arthur
67 – Jaco Prinsloo, Pierre Viallaneix, Haydn Porteous, Jack Davidson, Merrick Bremner, Tyrone Ryan
68 – Graham van der Merwe
68 – Louis Albertse, Benjamin Follett-Smith, Wynand Dingle, Deon Germishuys, Wilco Nienaber, Pieter Moolman, Jaden Deltel, Ruan Korb
69 – Martin Rohwer
69 – Xander Basson, Luke Brown, Dylan Naidoo, Hayden Griffiths, Otto Van Buynder, Charl Barnard, Njoroge Kibugu, Jean Hugo, Keenan Davidse, Jonathan Broomhead, Tristen Strydom, Rhys West, Albert Venter, Anthony Michael, Allen John, Conner Mackenzie
70 – Oliver Goldhill
70 – Eric Wowor, Stals Swart, Rigardt Albertse, Altin van der Merwe, Ryan Van Velzen, Jordan Burnand, Travis Ladner, Doug McGuigan, Brandon Pieters, Warwick Purchase, Rupert Kaminski, Tristin Galant, Travis Procter
71 – Ryan van der Klis
71 – Sentanio Minnie, Daniel Cronje, Neil Schietekat, Kyle Barker, Thanda Mavundla, Ricky Hendler, Jacques Blaauw, Jacques Van der Merwe, James Mack, Shaunak Rama, Liam Grehan, Jacquin Hess
72 – Ethan Smith
72 – Franklin Manchest, CJ du Plessis, Cole Stevens, Ockie Strydom, Hennie O’Kennedy, Estiaan Conradie, Ruan de Smidt, Nikhil Rama
73 – Matt Millar
73 – Morris Schiefner, Malcolm Mitchell, Peter Karmis, Kian Rose, Carter Rowe, Callum Mowat, Karabo Mokoena, Heinrich Bruiners, Toto Thimba Jnr, Stuart Krog, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Tristan Leonard, Keanu Pestana
74 – Lyle Rowe
74 – Dylan Mostert, Kyle McClatchie
75 – Dillon Germshuys
75 – Louis de Jager, Dian Kruger, Jordan Duminy, Leon Vorster, Kayle Wykes
76 – Joe Sullivan
76 – Quintin Wilsnach, Shaydon Johnson
77 – Jacques P de Villiers
77 – Vuyisani Makama, Lyle Pedro, Khaya Jika, Khanya Mkhize, Keelan Africa, Tumelo Molloyi, Greg Snow
79 – Matthew Spacey
80 – Jaydon Galant
81 – Steven Le Roux

Listen to what Keegan McLachlan had to say:

The post New focus and a 63 earns McLachlan lead in Mediclinic Invitational appeared first on SportsClub.

Alexander returns in some of the best form of her career, having risen to number one on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and now the highest ranked South African at 41st in the world.

According to her coach, Grant Veenstra, who works with many of South Africa’s top men’s and women’s professionals, Alexander has the potential to become even better.

“I definitely think she is a world top-10 player. No doubt. She has always been an athlete and a great competitor who doesn’t like to lose. But now we’ve worked really hard on a consistency to her swing that is showing itself in her performances,” he says.

Alexander returns as the last South African champion of the Joburg Ladies Open in 2021 and the runner-up last year. But she’s expecting a tough challenge from a top-class field this week.

“There are a lot more Europeans coming out to the Sunshine Ladies Tour. Some really good players are coming out here, and that’s what our Tour needs. We need that push of some good young players and then the experienced campaigners so that our quality of golf goes up,” she said.

As for her own game, Alexander is in a good place for the challenge of Randpark’s championship Firethorn course.

“My ball striking and iron play have always been my strong suite, and I think it’s important to maintain the skills you have while working on other areas of your game. I’ve been focusing on the short game a lot this year. Putting in particular has been a big focus point for me this year.”

With Alexander in the field as well as France’s Agathe Laisne and Australia’s Kelsey Bennett, the Ladies European Tour’s top three-ranked players are in Johannesburg.

From the Sunshine Ladies Tour, Germany’s Celina Sattelkau tees off as the leader on the Investec Order of Merit and is hunting a third victory on the Tour this season after winning the opening two tournaments. Fellow German Sophie Witt, currently second on the Investec Order of Merit, is also in the field this week.

The South African challenge is bolstered by Danielle du Toit, Gabrielle Venter and Nadia van der Westhuizen, who have all won on the Sunshine Ladies Tour this season.

And the presence of France’s Lois Lau means that every single winner on the Sunshine Ladies Tour this season will be playing this week.

It’s certainly a week of opportunity for the field, with the last two winners of the Joburg Ladies Open – Mimi Rhodes and Chiara Tamburlini – having both gone on to secure LPGA Tour cards thereafter.

Listen to what Casandra Alexander had to say:

The post SA’s Alexander leads top-class field for Joburg Ladies Open appeared first on SportsClub.

In the final tournament of the Courier Guy Playoffs to mark the end of the Sunshine Tour’s 2025/26 season, Vorster opened the door to the start of something new with his first victory.

The young star closed with a 66 to win on 21 under par, with Altin van der Merwe and Jaco Prinsloo sharing second place on 19 under.

“It’s incredible. We were so emotional at the end because it’s been a lot of hard work and close calls. My family have supported me all the way, and it was so special to win in front of them. All the people I wanted to have here for my first win were here. If it wasn’t for what my parents, and especially my dad, have done for my career I wouldn’t be standing here. It’s pretty emotional to have had my dad on the bag for this. It was so special to do it with him. I wouldn’t have wanted it to be with anybody else,” said Vorster.

“One of my favourite things to do when I go home to Mossel Bay is play golf with my dad the whole day and then have a braai afterwards. We are really close.”

The final tournament capped a remarkable Sunshine Tour season of outstanding individual performances and the rise of a new generation of young stars.

Casey Jarvis finished a groundbreaking season as the winner of the Courier Guy Order of Merit, and was awarded the prestigious Syd Brews Trophy.

Jarvis also earned a place in the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player and two Majors, namely The PGA Championship and The Open via the Federation Ranking list on the Official World Golf Ranking, in addition to him already having qualified for The Masters this year through his victory in the Investec South African Open. Jarvis also received a R500 000 cash bonus, an MSC international cruise, and the use of a Hyundai vehicle for a year.

“It was an unbelievable three weeks of winning the Magical Kenya Open and Investec South African Open and then finishing second in the Joburg Open. I think I can walk away with a lot of confidence. I’ve learnt to really manage my game well and play under big pressure. I can take a lot of positives from it all,” said Jarvis.

Mexico’s Luis Carrera was a dominant new force on the Sunshine Tour this season and was crowned the Fortress Rookie of the Year for a performance that included him making history by becoming the first player to win the Tour’s Theo Manyama Qualifying School and then the first two tournaments of the new season – the FBC Zim Open and the Kit Kat Cash & Carry Pro-Am.

He adds his name to the Bobby Locke Trophy, and earns a R400 000 bonus courtesy of Fortress Real Estate, whose Rookie of the Year award continues to play a pivotal role in celebrating and supporting the next generation of Sunshine Tour talent.

“It’s been amazing. It’s been my first full season on tour and South Africa is an amazing country. The Sunshine Tour is a fantastic tour and I’ve had a great time,” Carrera said.

Steven Brown, CEO of Fortress, said: “Powering the growth of the game in South Africa means investing in its future, which is why supporting the next generation of players is a key priority for us. The Fortress Rookie of the Year award is central to this commitment, helping accelerate their development and success. As such, we doubled the prize money to show our continued support for emerging talent. Luis Carrera’s historic debut season is a powerful example of the impact this platform can have, and we’re proud to support players as they take the next step in their careers.”

Both Jarvis and Carrera also receive automatic entry into the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions supported by Attacq and WCMC in June this year, where they will compete for a first prize of R1 million.

Hennie du Plessis, who finished second on the Courier Guy Order of Merit, earns an extra R200 000 as well as an MSC local cruise and the use of a Hyundai vehicle for a year, and third-placed Herman Loubser takes home R100 000 plus an MSC local cruise and the use of a Hyundai vehicle for a year.

Loubser also earned a DP World Tour card for next season as the leading player in the top 10 of the final Courier Guy Order of Merit who doesn’t already have status on the DP World Tour.

MJ Viljoen and Pieter Moolman both received cards on the HotelPlanner Tour for next season as the next two leading players on the Courier Guy Order of Merit not already exempt for this, in fifth and sixth place respectively.

Jaco Prinsloo finished the season as the winner of the Gary Player Trophy for the lowest stroke average this season of 69.54, and awarded to the professional who has played a minimum of 19 of the 29 tournaments.

Issued by Michael Vlismas Media

The post Vorster claims maiden Sunshine Tour victory in DNi Tour Championship appeared first on SportsClub.