The final day of play at the Modderfontein Golf Club, east of Johannesburg, had pleasant weather for golfers competing in the 2022 Joburg Ladies Open.
Moderate temperature favoured all golfers in colourful golf-shirts, matching gloves, and shorts. The earthly green colour dominated the golf course though, and the grass was manicured to the perfect level, allowing all ladies to enjoy their final round of play.
The sound of birds chirping, and water splashing gave the players and spectators alike a tranquil ambiance.
By 9:30a.m. spectators could see golf buggies and caddies carrying bags and clubs while advising and giving moral support to their respective players. The course was so quiet, spectators could hear a golf ball colliding with the club as the game got underway.
By 10:30a.m. the scoreboard was updated, and Swedish player Grant Linn had taken a 5-hole lead with 8 under, trailed by Swayne Alexandra with 6 holes and 6 under par. At number 5 was South African, Garcia Nicole, with 6 holes and 4 under par. There were 2 players tied at a lower score of 3 under par.
By now, the spectators were giving Grant the thumbs up, a sign of approval to chase an early victory. The eagerness to win the game was palpable on the 22-year old’s face, as the Swedish professional swung the club to hit the ball, flexing her craft.
The competitive spirit was evident in all players who made the weekend cut, but spectators already had their eyes on their favourite, hoping she’d claim a maiden victory.
One of the spectators, Lynette, had already put her money on Grant, noting she appeared to be in good form after winning previous tournaments.
“I am a spectator that loves women’s golf and Linn Grant from Sweden is going to win because she’s good and I believe that she will be the top player in the next 2 years because she has won the last 5 events. She’s an incredibly young golfer and when this tournament ends, she may win by 5 shots,” said Andrew Civins, another spectator.
Not all spectators were familiar with the game as much as Adelia Mokhera, who could not hide her emotions of how wonderful it is to witness players mastering their craft.
“We see this game on television, but when you see it live, it’s mind-blowing,” said Mokhera, beaming with joy.
Golf spectators know how unpredictable the game is, that it can sometimes turn out either way. With professional golfers, it can be hard to determine the winner, but not with Jane Wei, who was gunning for 19-year-old South African amateur player, Isabela Van Rooyan.
In the end, it was Swedish pro-golfer Grant who took home the bragging rights and the lion’s share of the R4 million prize purse.
Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi, Siphokazi George and Muziwenhlanhla Coka
26.3.2022