Kyra van Kan is the first-ever champion of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational after completing a wire-to-wire victory at Leopard Creek in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on Friday, 23 February, 2024.
“I’m seriously overwhelmed, it’s such an amazing feeling!”
Inaugural Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational Champion, Kyra van Kan
The South African won the 54-hole event by nine shots over compatriot Bobbi Brown, to clinch the title on a one-under-par total of 215.
“Finishing here on such a prestigious golf course, I’m really honoured to have played golf in front of Mr (Johann) Rupert, The R&A and GolfRSA. It’s just incredible, this feeling. I’m really honoured to have my name on that trophy.
“This is something that I don’t think I’ll ever forget until I’m like 90. I think I’ll always cherish this moment. The R&A has made this moment feel so special and I’m forever grateful for that.”
The 18-year-old never relinquished the lead throughout the three rounds and, thanks to her win, has earned places in The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open and The Investec South African Women’s Open in 2024, and the Lalla Meryem Cup and Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2025.
“I’m really excited for these opportunities,” she added. “To be able to go over to the UK and try and get into the AIG Women’s Open is just fabulous. I’m into the South African Women’s Open, which will be in Cape Town at Erinvale.
“I played in it last year, so I was really hoping to play it again this year, so I’m so excited,” said Van Kan. “It’s always a privilege to be playing in special events. I can’t thank The R&A and GolfRSA enough.”
Visit www.randa.org for more information on the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational.
The Final Leaderboard of the Inaugural African Amateur Invitational, at Leopard Creek in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on Friday, 23 February, 2024
Pos Name (Country) To par (R1, R2) Total
1. Kyra van Kan (South Africa) -1 (72, 71, 72) 215
2. Bobbi Brown (RSA) +8 (75, 78, 71) 224
3. Gia Raad (RSA) +9 (79, 70, 76) 225
4. Chanelle Wangari Mwangi (KEN) +11 (76, 74, 77) 227
5. Kaiyuree Moodley (RSA) +12 (79, 76, 73) 228
T6. Zané Kleynhans (RSA) +16 (80, 77, 75) 232
T6. Kesha Louw (RSA) +16 (75, 79, 78) 232
8. Naomi Wafula (KEN) +17 (77, 82, 74) 233
T9. Margret Nyamukondiwa (ZIM) +19 (81, 79, 75) 235
T9. Mercy Nyabande (KEN) +19 (84, 74, 77) 235
11. Kudzai Mandava (ZIM) +25 (82, 82, 77) 241
12. Serah Khanyereri (KEN) +28 (82, 83, 79) 244
13. Madina Iddy Hussein (Tanzania) +31 (79, 83, 85) 247
14. Sonia Bayahya (MAR) +32 (76, 88, 84) 248
15. Abir Taibi (MAR) +34 (86, 77, 87) 250
16. Vicky Elia (TAN) +38 (81, 83, 90) 254
17. Ashley Ouma (KEN) +39 (81, 88, 86) 255
Rtd. Ellandri van Heerden (RSA) +11 (76, 79, .) 155
Rtd. Primross Chikwaya (ZIM) +23 (81, .) 81
Main Photo Caption: Kyra van Kan is presented with the trophy by Chairman of Leopard Creek, Johann Rupert, and Captain of the R&A, Neil Donaldson, following her victory after day three of the Amateur Women’s Invitational at Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane, South Africa, on 23 February, 2024. Photo: Octavio Passos/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
Photo 2 Caption: Bobbi Brown of South Africa pictured teeing off during day three of the Amateur Women’s Invitational on Friday. Photo: Octavio Passos/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
Photo 3 Caption: South Africa’s Gia Raad Africa hits a bunker shot during day three of the Amateur Women’s Invitational at Leopard Creek Country Club. Photo: Octavio Passos/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
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