The South African swing is complete on the LET with the conclusion of the Investec South Africa Women’s Open in Cape Town.
Once again there were plenty of rookies in the mix in their first season on Tour as home favourite Ashleigh Buhai took home the title.
After battling with weather conditions on the first two days nine rookies made the cut, which fell at even par.
The rookies who were through to the weekend included: Alessandra Fanali, Nastasia Nadaud, Alexandra Forsterling, Vanessa Knecht, Sara Kjellker, Julie Boysen Hillestad, Sara Kouskova, Patricia Isabel Schmidt and Amy Taylor.
France’s Nadaud showed consistency in the first two days placing herself T3 heading into the weekend after rounds of 66 and 70.
But come the weekend, it was Italy’s Fanali who made a move up the leaderboard and ultimately finishing in T7 to secure her second top-10 of the season.
Speaking after her final round, Fanali said: “It was still pretty good, I made some mistakes on the back nine but it was very good. I made a good eagle, and I had an eagle chance on 18, but I three-putted which sucks because I think I missed my spot for next week.
“Overall, I’m very happy to be at this point right now and playing very well and consistently. I’m feeling good.
“I was not expecting to play this good honestly because it’s my first season as a pro, but I’ve got two top-10s and two overall pretty good tournaments too. I’m very happy about it and now I have a little bit more time to work on what I need to and get back.”
Elsewhere Nadaud ended the tournament in T16 with Forsterling one shot further back in T22.
Switzerland’s Knecht finished in a share of 44th spot with Kjellker, Kouskova, and Boysen Hillestad in T47.
Germany’s Schmidt finished the week in Cape Town in T54 with England’s Taylor in 59th place.
Next up for the rookies is the Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Singapore.
