Randpark golfer part of South African contingent in Eswatini
The prestigious Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy events are held biennially in West Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa and East/ Central Africa.
Randpark golfer, Zethu Myeki, accompanied by Larissa du Preez and Sarah Bouch, led the start of South Africa’s title defence in the Regional All-Africa Challenge Trophy (RAACT) in Eswatini (Swaziland) on Tuesday.
The Southern African edition teed off at Nkonyeni Lodge and Golf Estate on 2 April, with the challenge concluding today, 4 April. In addition to the host nation (Eswatini) and the defending champions (South Africa), the rest of the competing nations are from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and a seventh team, comprising two players from Eswatini and a player from Angola.
South Africa has won every edition since the inaugural tournament in Botswana in 2007, and two years ago, Zethu and Sarah were instrumental in keeping the country’s winning record alive in Lesotho. The pair is excited to extend South Africa’s success in the prestigious event with new cap, Larissa du Preez, joining them.
Zethu, coming off the leading amateur honours in the Joburg Ladies Open at Soweto Country Club last Thursday, believes a strategic game will get the South African team to the winner’s circle. “The course is looking great,” said the Randpark golfer. “Tee shots are relatively easy, but second shots become a bit tricky if you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, due to the slope. The greens are slow, so one needs to be positive on the putts. I think we can go low if the putters heat up.”
Serengeti’s Sarah Bouch agreed with Zethu’s assessment.
“The tee shots are all about positioning,” said Sarah. “There are sneaky slopes that lead to penalty areas, as well as many trees that are positioned on the fairway. You either take the risk to drive it past them, or lay up with a hybrid or 3-wood off the tee.”
“The greens are in good condition. They are grainy, though, so you have to be firm with your putts, because if you hit it too soft, the ball ducks before the hole,” she said.
Larissa was equally excited to make her debut for South Africa after the official practice round. “I’m so proud to be a member of this team and I’m extremely excited to get this tournament going,” said the Akasia golfer. “It’s been great to meet our opposition from all the different countries and to meet our wonderful hosts here and to be part of this team.”
