Charlene Pienaar became South Africa’s first woman disabled world champion at the 2023 ISPS Handa IBGA World Blind Championships at Milnerton Golf Club on Friday, 31 March.
A mere two days after she lifted the Women’s title in the South African Blind Open, South Africa’s Pienaar was in ascendancy again – this time challenging for a first world-title in the B3 Division in the international tournament at the same venue.
Sleeping on an overnight lead of six shots, the petite Benoni golfer withstood the challenge posed by a vicious South-westerly wind, gusting up to 35km per hour throughout the round, and held off Austrian Karin Becker to prevail by five strokes.
“It is an amazing feeling to lift the trophy, especially after contending in this difficult wind. I am extremely thankful,” said Pienaar, who carded rounds of 101 and 114.
She hopes her victory will afford more disabled women the opportunity to play the game.
“I hope this victory will open up more doors, not only for myself, but for other younger players as well as for more women to participate globally.”
ISPS HANDA IBGA WORLD BLIND CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
B3 DIVISION – WOMEN
215 Charlene Pienaar 101 114
220 Karin Becker AUT 106 114
255 Ros Weir ENG 126 129
B2 DIVISION – WOMEN
251 Jan Dinsdale IRL 127 124
NET – WOMEN
164 Karin Becker AUT 78 86
165 Jan Dinsdale IRL 84 81
171 Charlene Pienaar 79 92
173 Ros Weir ENG 85 88
Photo 1 Caption: Charlene Pienaar became the first South African woman disabled world champion with her B3 Division victory in the 2023 ISPS Handa IBGA World Blind Championships at Milnerton Golf Club on Friday, 31 March. Photo: Nic Bothma
With editing by gsport
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
