Nobuhle Dlamini successfully defended her Sanlam South African Women’s Amateur Stroke Play title, with a crushing 12-stroke victory at Pretoria Country Club on Tuesday.
Dlamini took a two-stroke lead into the final round and was never challenged as she closed with a two-under-par 70 for a winning total of three-over-par.
It was one of the most emphatic victories in the history of this championship, cementing Dlamini’s status as the South African number 1 and world number 3 in the women’s amateur game.
Dlamini also became only the sixth golfer since 1969 to have successfully defended her title in this event. “Nobuhle is a serious champion,” said Cynthia Rayner, president of Women’s Golf South Africa.
“She’s dominated the game ever since she moved to the top of our rankings, and she’s such a worthy champion because she’s so hard working and disciplined.”
Dlamini has already expressed her desire to turn professional later this year and take up a place on the Ladies European Tour before moving to the LPGA Tour.
“I predict a great future for her as professional,” said Rayner. “She sets such a great example for the rest of Africa.”
Dlamini was incredibly solid over the opening few holes on Tuesday, while her nearest challengers all faltered early.
Gina Switala dropped four shots in the first three holes, and then an eight on the par-four seventh hole was the end of her challenge. And Eleonora Galletti opened with a triple bogey on the first and a bogey on the second to also fall off the pace.
Dlamini parred her way to the sixth hole, then birdied holes seven, eight and 11. She dropped four shots in four holes from the 12th, but finished strong with three birdies over her final three holes.
Lara Weinstein took second place on 15 over par with a closing 74.
Dlamini now travels to Southbroom Golf Club in KwaZulu-Natal to take up a place in the field for the South African Women’s Open, the country’s oldest women’s professional tournament.
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