A crisp yet beautiful winter morning greeted players at the 2025 Westlake Open as they embarked on 36 hole challenge. With ideal scoring conditions and favourable pin placements, players were rewarded for precision from the tee.

Taahir Mallick (Rondebosch) made an early statement, carding a superb opening round of 66 to take a one-shot lead over local favourite Christian Helmbold. Close behind were Cameron Johnston (King David Mowbray) and Shaun le Roux (Westlake), both firing impressive rounds of 69 to remain in contention.

As clouds gathered and light rain began to fall, the second round saw a shift in momentum. Adrian Ford made his move, delivering a flawless, bogey-free round of 66 to finish at 7-under-par for the tournament. Christian Helmbold stayed steady under pressure, posting a composed 70 to match Ford’s total and force a playoff.

The two players returned to the 18th tee to determine the champion. Both tee shots landed in the right rough, but each player recovered well to reach the green with birdie opportunities. Helmbold’s long putt missed narrowly, sliding a foot right of the hole. With the title on the line, Ford stood over his putt and calmly rolled it in, sealing victory and the 2025 Westlake Open trophy in dramatic fashion.

HENDRICKS DOMINATES WOMEN’S DIVISION

In the Women’s Division, in-form Zayaan Hendricks continued her strong run of performances, opening with a round of 76 to take a three-shot lead over Zoey Rhoda (King David Mowbray).

Westlake’s own Odette Booysen mounted a late surge in Round 2, climbing four spots on the leaderboard with a battling 77. But it was Hendricks who maintained her composure, closing with a 78 to claim the title by a commanding eight-shot margin over Booysen and Ashley Huysamen (Durbanville).