Thursday, August 06, 2015

Tough day for SA quartet in Europe

 Danielle du Toit from Gauteng North and Woo-Ju Son from Gauteng; credit Sally Greasley / WGSA


It was day of struggles, tough conditions and frustration for the four South African juniors competing in international championships in Sweden and Germany on Wednesday.

Ivanna Samu traded places with compatriot Kaleigh Telfer at the Annika Invitational Europe, while Woo-Ju Son slipped and Danielle du Toit continued to battle in the RB German Junior.

Samu from Ruimsig overtook Telfer to lead the home challenge with a 74 in the second round at Bro-Bålsta GolfKlubb.

The reigning Nomads SA Girls champion birdied the first and negated the damage of a triple bogey at eight and two birdies with further gains at nine, 13 and 14.

Samu will start the final round in a tie for 25th on three over 149 with Line Hansen from Denmark and Fiona Liddell from Germany.

Telfer from Bryanston offset three bogeys with three birdies, but a double bogey saw her sign for a 76 and she trails Samu by one stroke.

Overnight leader Sophie Lamb from England held on to pole position with a 71, but will contend with Ana Pelaez from Spain, who fired a 69 to grab a share of the lead.

“The weather was quite up and down,” said Womens Golf South Africa president Karen Olivant.

“It rained for most of the first nine holes and the wind was really gusting, but the sun came out after the girls turned and then it got really hot.

“Ivanna and Kaleigh are really enjoying the experience, especially making so many new friends and the workshops with Annika after the rounds.”

Meanwhile Gauteng golfer Woo-Ju Son lost her footing and Danielle du Toit from Gauteng North continued to struggle to come to terms with the par-72 layout at Golfclub Heidelberg.

Son opened with a 74 in the Global Junior Golf Tour event to tie for third, but slipped to joint 14th on 12 over 156 after carding an 82 in round two.

Woo-Ju hit her drives beautifully but birdies were very hard to come by,” said Womens Golf South Africa vice-president Sally Greasley.

“She played steady golf, but dropped three shots on the front nine. Her chipping and putting woes continued on the back nine continued and she missed short putts for par at 10 and 12.

“She stemmed the bleeding with four pars and made her first birdie at the tough par five 17th after hitting a fantastic second shot into the green.

“The 18th hole is uphill all the way and Woo-hit another great shot into the green to set up a birdie chance, but her putt lipped out and she closed with a bogey.

“Danielle had another lacklustre day and signed for another 85. She picked up a birdie at three, but pulled her drive at four and went out of bounds. She followed the bogey with a triple at the fifth.

“Her par at six was the only ray of sunshine amid a string of bogeys and she turned six over. Matters didn’t improve on the back nine and she just couldn’t find any momentum.

“They know they are both better golfers than their scores reflect and both girls headed straight for the putting green after the round because they know the pins will be tough on the last day. I am pleased that Danielle, despite all the struggles, is staying very positive and embracing the experience.”

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