Meet Bedford’s first lady of golf
She is a top golfer, making her mark on the game with her impressive technique and skill.
Kyra van Kan (17) from Bedfordview is ranked the top female golfer in the nation, as she holds the top spot in both the junior league and women’s open amateur rankings.
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She also bagged the South African Women’s Matchplay Championship in February.
This was followed by her best amateur award at the Investec SA Open and the Nomads SA Girls Rose Bowl Championship.
She will represent South Africa in the All-Africa Junior Team Championship in Uganda this April.
Kyra has had a passion for golf since she was nine years old. She shared that her father, John, was the one who inspired her to partake in the sport.
“It was an obsession from the start. I went back to the range every day, so excited to hit golf balls.
I love the walk on the golf course. It allows me to get in my head and listen to my thoughts. The golf course gives me freedom away from school and the busy parts of life.
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“I love listening to the birds and walking past bright vibrant flowers. I also like that it is an individual sport and the competitiveness of it,” she said.
For her, winning the SA Amateur match play has been her biggest win thus far.
“This year was my third time being in the finals of the SA Amateur as I had been a runner-up in previous years. It meant a lot to me to finally get the win and redeem myself.
“I was emotional when beating my last opponent. I knew I had just completed my biggest goal of all time. In such a big tournament, you come a long way and I had to keep my head strong,” said Kyra.
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She wants to compete in as many tournaments as possible whilst completing her final school year.
“Golf is not an easy sport and whoever plays it knows that. It is hard to keep up with schoolwork and try to maintain friends as well.
It can be lonely sometimes, but I know what I am doing right now will pay off in the future.
“I want to attend college in America and become a professional golfer one day. I wouldn’t change what I do for the world,” she said.
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