Gia Raad Wins Africa Amateur Women’s International
Gia Raad claimed the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational title at Leopard Creek today with a two-shot victory over her fellow South African Bobbi Brown.
Thanks to her win Raad earns starts in The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, Joburg Ladies Open, The Investec South African Women’s Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq.
Raad, who finished third in last year’s inaugural Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, took a three-shot lead over last year’s runner-up Brown going into the final round.
The 17-year-old made a nervy start and a double bogey seven on the par-5 2nd opened the door for her rival. The Golf RSA squad member settled down, however, and rallied with consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th. She let a shot go at the 11th but holed a gutsy 12 footer at the 14th to stay two clear of Brown. A fine birdie at the 15th extended Raad’s lead to three with three to play.
Brown had an eventful front nine cancelling out three birdies with four bogeys as she tried to catch Raad. The 21-year-old dropped another shot at the 10th but bounced back in style with an eagle three after finding the green with her tee shot at the par-4 11th. A three-putt bogey at the 12th slowed her momentum but she followed it up with consecutive birdies as she battled to stay in touch with Raad.
At the par-3 16th, Raad almost holed a lengthy birdie putt but had to settle for a par, as did Brown. Both players parred the 17th and, although Brown produced a fine birdie at the last, Raad calmly rolled in her par putt for a two-shot victory and a four-under-par total of 212.
First round leader Lisa Coetzer of South Africa finished in third position on three-over-par.
“It feels surreal. It’s been a very quick week, I’m not going to lie. But today was a tough day, and I’m just really, really happy. I don’t really have the words to describe it,” said Raad, who closed with a one-under 71.
“On the back nine I could start to feel the nerves. My tummy was going crazy.
“It’s nice because me and Bobbi were cheering each other on and we have a really good friendship so it was helpful. She helped me keep calm.
“It’s so amazing that we get these opportunities, even to play at this course and get to qualify for all those things. It’s just crazy.”
Brown, who carded a final round 70, was proud of how she played but felt her putting had let her down. She said, “I guess I’m pretty happy with how it went today. You can’t complain with two-under overall at Leopard Creek. It’s a tough course. I swapped to my dad’s putter last night because I just was missing everything the last two days inside three foot. I did a little better and I can’t be upset about the result.”
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kruger National Park, the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational and the Africa Amateur Championship provide a world-class platform for the region’s rising talent to compete on the international stage.
The winner of the Africa Amateur Championship, which concludes tomorrow, will earn exemptions into The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, The Amateur Championship, the Alfred Dunhill Championship, The Investec South African Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq.
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Rolex is an event partner of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational and is committed to supporting The R&A’s professional and amateur championships. The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back almost 60 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the game, from the sport’s leading professional and amateur competitions and organisations, to players at the pinnacle of their discipline and younger talents embarking on their journey towards greatness.
