The South African Port Operations Border Championships kicks off this weekend at the East London Golf Course between 11-13 March, and the course will be playing to a 73 par for the tournament.
The tournament starts with the 36 holes Strokeplay concluded with the Stokeplay Prize-giving after play on Sunday, followed by the Matchplay on Monday and Tuesday, with the Matchplay Prize-giving scheduled to take place after the finals on Tuesday afternoon.
Entries for the competition closed on the 5th March, but organisers have undertaken to accept late entries on application, which can be downloaded from the Womens’ Golf South Africa Website.
Speaking to gsport, Border Ladies Golf President Bev MacLean indicated that the draw has been concluded and includes 50 entrants, including 6 participants from the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB), in a special section.
Another special section has been arranged for the Senior Ladies to play in, with tournament organisers providing something to suit everyone.
The South African Port Operations are generous title sponsors for the event for a second year running to the tune of R10,000, which has enabled the event to fully sponsor the SAGBD golfers for their entries, golf, food and transport.
“As a result of fantastic rains in the Border area over the last couple of months,” says MacLean, “East London Golf Course is looking fantastic. We are hoping that the rain will stay away until the end of the championships, and that the wind will not play too much part in deciding the winners.”
With 2006 Strokeplay and Matchplay champion Iliske Verwey not entered for this year’s tournament, top contenders for the titles include WGSA’s Lizelle Muller (who plays off a Plus 1 handicap) and Mercia Pretorius (2 handicap).
Charlene Proctor, Tanya Tibshraeny and Kim Daniels from Eastern Cape are also favour their chances, and Anezel Zylstra is hoping her trip from Mossel Bay may bring good fortune.
Border golfers likely to benefit from their familiarity with course and weather conditions include Border Captain Millie Zim, Angela Trollip and Louise van Niekerk.