Despite still battling to shake off the lingering effects of swine flu, the country’s top-ranked Caitlyn Macnab celebrated her 10th start in the Nomads SA Girls Championship with a trophy finish at Orkney Golf Club on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old Ebotse Links golfer carded a final round one-under-par 71, to edge out fellow Ekurhuleni golfer Kiera Floyd by one stroke on four-over 220.
GolfRSA Junior Proteas Macnab, Floyd & Kaiyuree Moodley claimed a sixth place finish in the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup two weeks ago, but as soon as the team arrived back on home soil, Macnab and Moodley both went down with swine flu.
“Kai had to withdraw and I was a doubtful starter after spending four days in bed, but I came because I had to try,” Macnab said.
By lifting the title Macnab also earned herself a start at the prestigious Duke of York Young Champions Trophy in September.
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“I have dreamed of winning the Nomads SA Girls since I first teed up as a seven-year-old. It’s the most amazing feeling to be the champion; I am just over the moon,” said Macnab.
“I was really nervous on the first day, because I hadn’t hit a ball for nine days. I didn’t expect to lead the first round, but after that it was all about playing for the win.”
Macnab and Floyd are both members of the Grant Veenstra Junior Golf Academy at Ebotse Links and have played golf together for years. “I knew it would go right down to the wire,” added Macnab.
“We have played against each other and together for Ekurhuleni in the SA Women’s IPT and the SA Women’s 72 Hole Teams. We won the All Africa Junior Golf Challenge together and in Japan we both shot 69 in the final round. I knew she would fight right up to the last putt.”
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