South African trio Casandra Hall (from Benoni), Zethu Myeki and Lenanda van der Watt swept to a record 13th victory for the country in the 14th edition of the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Accra, Ghana, on August 31.
The international field in the biennial showpiece was severely tested by windy conditions and a tough course setup at the Achimota Golf Club on the final day, but Hall and Myeki ensured a 14-shot victory with a final round total of 161.
Reigning Sanlam SA Women’s Stroke Play champion Hall (a former St Dunstan’s College learner) posted five-over-par 77 and GolfRSA Elite Squad player Myeki from Gauteng carded 85, while van der Watt from Gauteng North returned a non-counting 87.
The South African team triumphed on a 72-hole total score of 469.
Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who defeated Myeki in a play-off for the individual honours after the pair tied on 237, led the way for Tanzania, who finished second on 483.
Kenya was third on 487, Uganda took fourth on 493, while Zimbabwe edged out the host nation to finish in fifth place on 499.
Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation Myeki starred for South Africa in the 2016 AACT in Tunisia and the All-Africa Regional Trophy in Lesotho last year, while Hall and two-time SA Women’s Long Drive champion van der Watt both made their national debut in Ghana.
The rookies were delighted to return home with South Africa’s winning record intact.
“The course was incredibly tight and really challenging and the rough was brutal and a real test of accuracy and patience,” said Hall.
“It was an incredible learning experience for every player in the field, who had to push hard and dig deep to give their best.
“We had an incredible time in Ghana and we are so happy to bring the trophy home.”
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