When the winners of the Pro-Am were announced on Tuesday, 22 March, they were each beaming with pride. Celine Karlung (pro), Rita Teka, Chantel Usmar, and Phindi Gila’s team took first place with 83 points.
In second place with 83 points was Tandi McCallum (pro), Elaine Rubens, Thandi Kgatshe and Joy Chimombe’s team.
In third place with 82 points was Bonita Bredenhanm (pro), Thandazile Zama, Rene Mathee, and Ntambi Ravele.
There were also prizes for nearest to the pin given to amateur golfer, Joan Dicker and professional player, Felicity Johnston. The longest drive award went to amateur golfer, Adri Vorster, and Ursula Wikstrom, a professional
The golfers cheered for each winner and celebrated their joy.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, said she is proud of every single participant.
Cllr Phalatse said being a woman is not always easy since women always must prove themselves and work harder to get the same recognition as men.
She shared statistics: Women hold 25.6% of seats in the National Parliament, 36.3% of local government positions, and 28.2% of managerial positions.
“Women multi-task like no other. When a woman decides to do something, she goes for the long haul. Women operate from the head but also from the heart because we care too much to ignore problems in society,” Cllr Phalatse said.
“Let’s continue to remember sustainable development goal number five, to achieve gender equality in our lifetime,” she added.
The invite only Pro-Am is the start of the Joburg Open Ladies Tournament, where professional golfers and amateurs play together. The Pro-Am kicked off on Tuesday morning at the Modderfontein Golf Club as a prelude to the main event, which starts on Thursday, 24 March and will continue until Saturday, 26 March.
This year marks the 6th year that the City of Joburg is hosting this tournament. The first ladies’ open was hosted at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in 2016.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
22.3.2022