This year’s WP NOMADS Junior Girls Championship was held at Milnerton Golf Club. The course boasts magnificent views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard, which runs parallel to the fairways, making this year’s championship a must-see.

On Thursday, a cool and breezy winter morning greeted the players in the Championship division.

At the conclusion of round 1, Olivia Wood (Uhmlali) led Jasmine Furstenberg (Oubaai) by one shot and Zoey Rhoda (Kind David Mowbray) was 2 shots behind the leader.

The afternoon welcomed the Silver Division players as they began their Sally Little Trophy campaign. WP Women’s Amateur Champion, Ali Ann van Schalkwyk (Somerset West) continued her dominance and posted a spectacular 75 score in breezy conditions.

In the Championship Division, things heated up. The forecast for Friday looked vastly different from day 1 as a northerly wind tested them. Thursday afternoon would be the most suitable opportunity to post a low number.

Lee-Ann van der Merwe (Langebaan) posted a level round of 72 to place herself in contention. Olivia remained steady and kept her foot on the gas signing for a 72 in Round 2.

As the players arrived on Friday, strong winds and cold conditions were posing a challenge to all. All 3 divisions would have to showcase their finest skills to tackle tough conditions.

The Bronze division would be highly contested by juniors. It proved to be a two-horse race between Zahra Khan and Na-eema Hearne. Ultimately, it was Na-eema that came out on top racking up 37 Stableford points.

Ali-Ann continued her dominance and held onto her lead into the final round. In tough conditions, she still took the title and beat Kaitlyn Rix (Durbanville) by an impressive 10 shots.

There would be a great deal at stake in the Championship division. Alesia Goussard (Pearl Valley) made a stunning charge up the leaderboard after carding four birdies and an eagle. She would take the clubhouse lead. The conclusion of the final rounds of Olivia, Jasmine, and Lee-Ann indicated that a sudden death playoff would be required.

The 3 golfers played the first playoff hole. Lee-Ann would be the first eliminated and only Olivia and Jasmine would remain. On the 4th playoff hole, it appeared more holes would be needed. Both players had 3-foot putts to extend the match. Jasmine however, failed to hole her putt and settled for a bogey. Despite the pressure, Olivia made her putt and the ball found the bottom of the cup. Olivia celebrated with a worthy fist pump as she was crowned the 2024 NOMADS champion.

The championship also had a closed section highly contested by WPG Affiliated players. The trophies were decided, and the winners are:

• Prentice Cup (HI 6.5 & under) – Zoey Rhoda (King David Mowbray)

 

 

 

 

 

• WGWP Trophy (HI 6.5 – 15.3) – Ali-ann van Schalkwyk (Somerset West)

• Kleyn Cup (Best net over the last 2 rounds) – Ali-Ann van Schalkwyk (Somerset West)

 

• Goldsbury & Stewart (WP U/16 – Best gross) – Zoey Rhoda (King David Mowbray)

• Bronze Division (Best Net) – Na-eema Hearne (Somerset West)