Local golfer clinches three victories at Modderfontein Golf Club

Kyra van Kan started the year with a bang following her three title wins.

Over the past three weeks, Kyra has dominated the course with her stellar performances in major golfing events.

Kyra clinched victory at the SA Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship held at Modderfontein Golf Club between February 4 to 6, securing a commanding six-shot lead.

She won the GolfRSA International Amateur Championship by eight shots at Houghton Golf Club from February 13 to 16.

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Kan also won the African Amateur Championship (R & A) that took place from February 18 to 25, winning by nine shots.

She attributed her success to hard work and determination.

“I have a strong support system around me and without the help from those people, I don’t think I would have had all the success that I have,” she said.

Her regimen involves rigorous training on the driving range and disciplined fitness routines.

“I always make sure I am fit before a tournament and most importantly that my mindset is calm so that I can perform to the best of my ability. I go into every tournament confident, no matter how well or bad I am hitting the ball.

“It’s always important to show that confidence. I played a few practice rounds at the golf courses to make sure I had a full understanding of how I needed to play each course and it paid off well,” shared Kyra.

She said going into the tournaments she did not put pressure on herself to win.

“Using her experience helped her to stay focused and calm, “I stay relaxed and just play the best golf I can. I always remind myself to enjoy the walk and the game.”

Early last year Kyra won the SA women’s Matchplay Championship as well as the best Amateur Award at the Investec SA Open.

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She acknowledges that winning such tournaments demands not just technical skill but also mental fortitude.

“There will always be pressure when leading a golf tournament. But you have to accept it and use it to your advantage.

“I do get a little nervous when teeing off on the first hole on the last day of the tournament because I know that anything can happen,” she said.

Key lessons she has learned from her recent successes that she thinks aspiring golfers could benefit from include playing more tournaments.

“I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world, playing for South Africa and I think those experiences that I have gained have taught me how to be independent and how to control my emotions on the golf course.

“I think that the more tournaments you play the more experience you will garner and it will come through in your game. I have been playing since I was 9, determined to be the best and this has helped me to develop into a great golfer.

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“Additionally, preparation helps a lot, especially with overseas tournaments and learning how to adapt to the conditions.”

As Kyra reflects on her phenomenal start to 2024, her sights are set on even greater heights.

“I have been granted a few starts in professional events so my goal is to get a top 10 in at least one. The one professional event is at my home course, Glendower Golf Club and is called the Jabra Ladies Classic. I would like to perform well.

“I am attending the University of Tennessee in August so I’m also excited to get things going there,” shared Kyra.Her dream is to become the best women’s player in the world.

“I want to make my parents proud and represent myself well. Golf is my passion and it is what I want to pursue in my life so that is what drives me to keep working hard and play super well.

“I haven’t made it to the top yet which is the LPGA tour, so if I keep up the good work then I am surely on the right track to being there soon.”