Farrarmere‘s Lewthwaite makes history on IGT Challenge Tour
Sheer girl power from the Benonian.
Women golfers have played the top men’s professional circuits around the world since Babe Zaharias’ debut in the PGA Tour in 1938.
Dame Laura Davies did it.
Annika Sorenstam did it.
Michelle Wie and Brittany Lincicome did it.
Even SA Women’s Open champion Ashleigh Buhai played in a Tour Championship on the Sunshine Tour.
But, no woman ever beat the men at their own game until Lejan Lewthwaite from Benoni wrote her name in the South African golfing annals with a maiden win on the IGT Challenge Tour on September 12.
The Benoni golfer broke ground for local sportswomen when she won the IGT Challenge #12 in a play-off at Maccauvlei Golf Club and became the first female champion of South Africa’s premier golf development circuit.
“I lost out twice in 2016, but this time I believed I could win,” said the 27-year-old champion from Farrarmere.
“It was really close, but I never doubted myself.
“It is great to be the first woman champion and to finally have a win under my belt.
“More than anything, I conquered my demons.
“I almost threw it away because I got too quick down the stretch.
“When we went into a sudden-death play-off, I calmed myself down.
“Doing that kept me focused, gave me the win.
“That and some damn good golf.”
Lewthwaite shared the overnight lead with local favourite Garth Wolter on four-under.
“I knew it would be a battle,” she said.
“Garth came into this week on the back of his maiden win in the IGT Challenge Tour #11 at State Mines last week and it’s his home course.”
“I’m so happy with this result.
“I’m going to the Ladies European Tour Q-School in December and I’ve done a lot of work on my short game with Robbie Stewart.
“I’ve only been working with Mark Fairbank, a sport psychologist with The Golf School of Excellence, for a short while, but his advice has been solid.
“This win is positive proof that I’m doing the right things.
“I hope this will inspire amateurs and young pros to follow my lead and to use the IGT Challenge Tour to gain experience before they head to Europe or the USA.”
WATCH Lewthwaite charge to victory:
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