The 43rd edition of the Ackerman Championship was hosted at the prestigious Atlantic Beach Links. We welcomed players from all over the country in what was a true test of driving accuracy and putting.

In true Cape Town fashion, the players were greeted with strong winds on Day 1. Scoring was sure to be difficult and a true test of grit and determination was shown by all. In the C Division (Jonathan Ackerman Trophy) Brigitte Fourie (Atlantic Beach Links) used the home ground advantage to secure top spot after round one and held on during round two to secure a 2-point win over Delia van Wyngaarden (King David Mowbray). Rosa Linda Wessels (Durbanville) finished in third place with 64 points.

The Raymond Ackerman Trophy (B Division) was a tough race between Zoey Rhoda (King David Mowbray), Natasha Murray (Kind David Mowbray) and Christian Booysen (Royal Cape). Only 2 shots separated them after round one. However, Zoey kept her cool and grew her lead to win the Raymond Ackerman Trophy by two shots.

In the A Division (Gus Ackerman Trophy), Kesha Louw (Mount Edgecombe), Odette Booysen (Royal Cape) and Jaden Visagie (Kind David Mowbray) secured top spots after being challenged by the gusty conditions. On day 2, conditions were perfect as the 22 players headed out at 7am for round 2 and round 3 in the afternoon.

With a constantly changing leaderboard, Bobbi Brown (Steenberg) and Odette lead after round 2. Nicola Schoeman (Bankenveld, MP) and Kesha Louw were just one shot off the pace as Ellandri van Heerden posted a brilliant 70 to stay in contention.

With just a few holes remaining in round 3, the top 5 were all within 2 shots of the lead. Bobbi Brown posted the leading score. Kesha Louw (2022 Gus Ackerman Trophy Winner) needed to birdie the 18th hole to force a playoff. With a wedge in hand on her approach to the 18th green, she made birdie from 3 feet. The scores were tied.

Crowds surrounded the 18th green and were excited to witness a playoff between the top 2 ranked women’s amateurs in South Africa. Both players had wedges on the green. Kesha was placed in the middle of the fairway with Bobbi in trouble in the left hand rough. Both players were on the green. Bobbi made a bogey while Kesha had 2 putts to defend her title which she did!

Pick ‘n Pay’s continued support was essential to the success of this event. We wish to thank you for your contribution towards making the tournament a success and continuing to grow the sport of golf.

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. Looking forward to seeing you next year!