Swedish pro-golfer, Linn Grant, smiled from ear to ear after winning her first Joburg Ladies Open Tournament on 26 March at the Modderfontein Golf Club.
The crowd cheered as the Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, handed over the shining silver trophy to Grant on the manicured golf course on Saturday afternoon.
“It feels nice to win,” Grant said modestly. She turned professional in 2021 after taking home the 2017 Ladies British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
Throughout the tournament, Grant was impressed by the hospitality in Johannesburg. “We had a wonderful time and stayed at an amazing place. These are great people, and I loved the golf course.”
To celebrate the illustrious win, Grant said she would enjoy a nice dinner before jetting off to Cape Town. She is excited to call her mother, who she knows will probably be “most excited”.
Cllr Phalatse congratulated Grant, encouraging her to keep being a trailblazer.
“Women are trailing behind, and she must keep going and should share her story because, for me, background stories are important. It gives you context and strategy.”
Joburger, Nicole Garcia, secured herself a third spot in the final. The three-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner said she was impressed with her stroke on the last day of play. Garcia expressed sincere gratitude towards the City for hosting the event, and as a local, she is proud of her performance.
“I’m proud because I’m from Joburg and I’ve played on the course a couple of times. It’s close to home, and it makes me proud to be part of the tournament. I want to give the City of Joburg a shout out for supporting the girls. It’s unbelievable and, on behalf of all the players here, they’ve enjoyed it,” she said with a smile.
Next week Garcia will compete in the Investec Women’s Open and hopes to carry on with her good form.
Isabella van Rooyen (19), who is the top-ranked amateur player in South Africa, also performed exceptionally well by finishing 11th among the pros. She was satisfied with her finish and learned something by competing with professionals.
“I’m happy with how I played, but not too happy with how I finished. Maybe I played a little too aggressively today, but that was my goal. I learned to be more patient,” Van Rooyen said.
Ronald Harris, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, also attended the prize-giving. He said he is proud of the City for hosting the tournament. Cllr Harris mentioned that there are challenges in getting youngsters involved in golf to break down the stereotypes around the sport.
However, he said the City has developed programmes to encourage more youngsters to get involved.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better tournament,” said Bongi Mokaba, the City’s Director of Events Management, beaming as she congratulated Grant on her victory. Mokaba said Grant’s course management was unbelievable and she was determined that the victory was hers.
Mokaba thanked everyone who contributed to making the event a success, saying South Africa needs more golf tournaments for ladies to equip youngsters to be able to compete in major leagues around the globe.
Cllr Phalatse is proud of all the golfers and the City’s events and communication team for organising the tournament. “I am proud of our partners as well, for coming on board and helping us grow the tournament. Seeing that the ladies have their tournament is a big plus for me as a female mayor in Johannesburg,” she said.
The three-day tournament teed off on Thursday, 24 March. It was the first time that the event is co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour (SLT) and the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi, Dakalo Ramudidibi, Siphokazi George and Muziwenhlanhla Coka
26.3.2022