Shean took part in the Western Province Championships at the Royal Cape on Sunday in pursuit of the stroke play title, which was up for grabs over 36 holes.
The Cape Doctor put up its worst weather though, with wind and rain, and then some more just for measure.
Playing with Monique Smit (George) and Thandi von Ruben (Gauteng), Kelli had a shocker of a first round, coming home with a three-over par 77.
Monique signed for a one-under 73, and Gilly Tebbutt on a three-under 71, with a host of other players finishing with three- and four-over pars.
After spending some time looking at the leader board, Kelli and I got together for a brief discussion, analysing where and what she went wrong.
Playing alongside Monique and Thandi again, Kelli headed for the first tee knowing that Gilly had a six shot lead over her, and Monique lead by four, she needed to bounce back.
Needless to say, Kelli brought on her A-game in the afternoon and hunted both Monique and Gilly down, finding herself 7-under on the final hole.
Kelli had a host of birdies that echoed around the course. Applying the pressure to both Monique and Gilly in the closing holes, Gilly came home with an even-par round of 74, and Monique a one-under 73.
This left Gilly in the club house at 3-under, Kelli on the 18th tee on four-under, and Monique on two under.
Not knowing that all she needed was a par to take the title, Kelli found the rough on her tee shot with a tree directly in her line.
She then hooked the ball around the tree and found the left bunker. Needing an up-and-down, she played a pretty good third out of the bunker to 4 meters from the hole. She then lined up the putt, and it lipped out.
Having no idea of the situation, and just pleased to have played a great round of 6 under (breaking the course record), Kelli found herself tied at the top with Gilly on 3-under, forcing a play-off.
Western Province foursomes partners of a few years, Kelli and Gilly halved the first two holes in pretty dark and difficult conditions, before deciding to share the title.
A fitting way to end the competition, knowing that it is Kelli’s last Western Province competition, if not forever, for a long time.
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