Southern Cape golf team claims national victory

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - This year’s SA Women’s 72 Hole Team Championship took an unforeseen turn when our very own, team Southern Cape, claimed victory by lifting the Swiss Trophy at Reading Country Club. The team made a prodigious comeback, bringing home the trophy for the first time in 11 years.

What a phenomenal achievement, considering the fact that on this date, exactly one year ago, Southern Cape was still competing in the Challenge Division.

In 2023, Southern Cape fired excellent results, earning them the title of Challenge Trophy Champions, which promoted them to the Swiss Division in the year of 2024. Even though they were ranked 10th out of 10 teams and were considered what some might call the ‘underdogs’ of the Swiss Division, these young ladies bit back and grappled their way to the top.

It was a remarkable team effort from Isabella Ferreira, Jasmine Furstenburg and Lara van Niekerk which led to them ending the four day tournament ranking 1st, with a splendid score of 10 under par.

Team Southern Cape strode into day two of the tournament sitting in 4th position, but after an outstanding performance from Ferreira (who went 10 under par within the 36 holes) as well as Furstenburg and van Niekerk (who took turns to contribute a score of 1 and 2 under par for each round), Southern Cape climbed to the top with a combined score of 9 under par. Competition was tough. Scores were tight. No one had the luxury to relax just yet.

Walking into the final round with only a two shot lead on the defending champions, Central Gauteng’s A team, the fate of the tournament was still yet to be determined. Those who understand golf will know that anything can happen during a round of golf. A single hole or even one, singular shot could change everything.

However, these adept girls remained grounded. They kept their focus unwavering and their emotions composed. Although Central Gauteng A had gained two shots up on Southern Cape after nine holes, Southern Cape came back strong and ended with a combined score of 1 under par for the round— which was just enough for Southern Cape to reclaim their 1st position, with only one shot up against Central Gauteng’s A team.

For the individual side, Isabella Ferreira landed herself tied in the runner-up spot thanks to a striking score of seven under par over the four days (with two of those rounds visiting the 60’s).

Jasmine Furstenburg ended up being tied in 8th position, with a score of eight over par, while Lara van Niekerk just slipped out of top ten, ending up in 11th position with a score of nine over par.

“It was an exciting and very special moment for our team, since we came in as the underdogs after being promoted last year.

"We expected to do well, but never imagined walking away with the win. I’m super proud of our team and we really proved that anything is possible,” said Isabella Ferreira, Southern Cape’s team captain.

Teammate, Lara van Niekerk, comments, “It was already a big accomplishment being in the Swiss Division and I can speak on behalf of my team and say we are beyond grateful to be a part of the Southern Cape team and appreciate everything they do to make these events possible.

"I think the reason we were able to get this done, was due to the fact we played expectation-free golf and stayed present until the end.”

Needless to say, these Southern Cape girls have made their province proud and have showcased the surging growth of Southern Cape Women’s golf.

However, a new problem has been on the rise. Many of the girl golfers in Southern Cape are nearing the age where they are either turning professional, or leaving to pursue their studies in the States. This leaves us with a new lingering question.

Who’s going to walk in these girls’ footsteps?

Southern Cape golf has just begun to peak over the recent years, so let’s strive towards encouraging young girls to start playing golf as a sport. You never know, maybe your daughter will be the next one holding the trophy alongside her fellow teammates.

Let’s keep our protea flower flourishing.

Elation after the win.