Lewthwaite’s long wait ends with play-off glory

Benoni golfer Leján Lewthwaite stepped up to the Sunshine Ladies Tour winner’s circle at the South African Women’s Masters with a dramatic play-off victory over young GolfRSA amateur Kajal Mistry at San Lameer Country Club on February 23.

The pair ended three rounds tied on one-under 215, with Lewthwaite closing with a superb five-under 67 after opening efforts of 75 and 73.

Randpark’s Mistry, meanwhile, signed for a one-under 71 to go with her earlier rounds of 75 and 69.

The duo crossed irons as they headed back to the short par four 18th hole for a sudden-death playoff.

The 18-year-old Mistry went first and split the fairway, while Lewthwaite found a decent lie in the rough on the right.

Serengeti’s Lewthwaite was first to hit her approach, which nested near the back of the green some 35 feet from the pin and it was advantage Mistry, who stuck her second to 12 feet.

But, it would be the true masterstroke of Lewthwaite that would have the final say as she rolled a monster putt straight into the hole for a birdie three.

Mistry’s makeable birdie came up short and the title duly went to Lewthwaite.

“I was a little quick off the tee and my ball went a little right,” said the Investec golfer, who became the third successive maiden winner of the SA Women’s Masters following Korea’s Carrie Park in 2017 and last year’s success by German golfer Laura Fuenfstueck.

“I hit a great second, but the pin was sitting on a little bit of a slope and the ball just keeps going. Luckily I had that exact same putt during regulation play.

“I thought I needed to hit it a little bit left and a little bit harder and it just went in. It’s a huge confidence booster. Teaching yourself to win takes time and it’s really a good thing to have in your back pocket.”

The 28-year-old Lewthwaite had been knocking on the door the last few weeks with third at the Canon Sunshine Ladies Tour Open at the beginning of the month, before a second place at the Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am last week in George.

She’s worn the bridesmaid tag twice at San Lameer Country Club.

First in 2015, when she chased Lee-Anne Pace to the finish line in the SA Women’s Open and won the Jackie Mercer Trophy as the leading amateur and again last year when she tied for second.

“People were saying 3-2-1 this week because I was third at Irene, second at DiData so I’m happy to complete that sequence,” Lewthwaite said.

“I always come through in my final round.

“That’s where it matters most, so maybe if I can just get the first round nerves out a little quicker it won’t be as difficult.”

Though it is a first win on the Sunshine Ladies Tour for Lewthwaite, she has tasted success in the paid ranks before with two playoff victories on the IGT Challenge Tour last year.

PREVIOUS READS:

Benoni’s Lewthwaite does it for the girls again

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za

For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.