Gia Raad recovers from slow start to win Africa Amateur Women's Championship – AmateurGolf.com

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 was nice because Bobbi and I 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 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.

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.

R&A TV is providing a live stream to a number of selected countries and territories, supplemented by daily highlights featuring key moments from each event following completion of play.

The Africa Women’s Amateur Invitational is an annual golf tournament organized by The R&A, the body behind The Open Championship. First held in 2024, the inaugural event saw South Africa’s Kyra van Kan claim a wire-to-wire victory. Her win earned her spots in The Women’s Amateur Championship, final qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, and the Investec South African Women’s Open in 2024, as well as invitations to the Lalla Meryem Cup and Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2025.
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