First round wrap up: South Africans not looking very impressive
South African Women’s Open started off amid much fanfare. The first round ended with some astonishing results that startled both fans and experts.
Caroline Masson, the German player, topped the leaderboard with a score of 69. Only four South African players made it into the top-10 in the first round. The South African players played good but the names atop the leader-board were not what the fans were
expecting.
Two of the top South African women golfers, Lee-Anne Pace and Tandi Cuningham were expected to occupy positions in the top-10 of the tournament’s rankings. To everyone’s surprise, these players ended up in the 21st position.
At the end of the first round, South Africa was represented by Stacy Lee Bregman in the highest place among the South Africans.
Meanwhile, Ashleigh Simon was at number six and Morgana Robbertze and Connie Chen were at number 9. This standing reflects a fact that is very depressing for the South African golf fans.
The top players have failed to perform as expected. The stars were nowhere to be seen on the top positions. However, the good news is that upcoming professionals played exceptionally and remedied the situation to some extent.
Before the start of the tournament, the entry list of the event came under much discussion. The number of stars that appeared on that list was astounding. All the top LET players were there as were top amateurs looking for their LET card.
One of the reasons was the event itself. South African Women’s Open was a very popular event that was discontinued after the 2009 edition. Organizers and fans were unanimous in their appeals for the return of the tournament.
The tournament retuned, carrying joint sanction by LET and the Women’s Professional Golf Association of South Africa.
This status was enough to attract the top talent from around the world. Almost every LET player worth her salt immediately announced her availability for the event.
The event is particularly important for South African players for many reasons. South African players were the most enthusiastic about the return of the event and greatly applauded the decision.
South African star Lee-Anne Pace said, “I am extremely proud that the South African Women’s Open is back on the schedule and that our leading professionals can once again have the chance to compete against the world’s best on home soil”.
Pace was not alone in her enthusiasm. Many South African players joined her in welcoming the event and talked about the benefits that it will bring to South African women golf.
South Africa does not see many international level golf events. This event was a rare opportunity for local players to play alongside the top international professionals and amateurs.
The most important reason perhaps was the fact that South Africa is the defending champion of the event. Tandi Cuningham from South Africa won the 2009 event.
The South African squad was determined to retain the trophy and continue the South African domination in the most prestigious women golf event.
The second round of the South African Women’s Open is underway. Experts are still hopeful for a comeback by the top players. Their reasoning is based on experience.
The second round is usually the one where experienced professionals make their move and climb the leaderboard rapidly.
It remains to be seen whether the stars are aware of that logic or not. The fans are still hopeful for a classy return of their favourites.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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