Marlene Botha (29), a full-time farmer and golfer from Nigel, achieved a second-place milestone at the National Longest Drive Championship with an impressive 292.1m drive.

Competing in just her second year of competitive golf, Botha described the semi-finals as intense.

“The nerves became real. Fortunately, all the ladies support each other and celebrate each other’s achievements. It was an incredible moment and a privilege to share with this group of women. The championship took place at the Gridpro at the Grasslands Driving Range in Benoni, an international standard facility that drew strong crowd and support. The atmosphere and the venue helped calm the nerves,” she said.

Botha said balancing farming and golf is one of her biggest challenges, but she and her father found ways to make training more possible at home.

“As a full-time farmer, it’s not always easy to practice at a proper driving range. With my father’s help, we set up a practice net on the farm, so I can still hit balls after a long day’s work. I believe talent is only 20%; your mental approach is 80%. Without my people and their support, there is no success,” she said.

Botha, still relatively new at the Nigel Golf Club, said the club’s warm welcome and encouragement have been crucial to her progress.

“From the first day, I felt completely welcomed. Everyone has supported me, given advice, and cheered me on during matches. That kind of environment makes a huge difference, because golf can be very challenging and, sometimes, intimidating. Knowing I have a club full of people rooting for me gives me the confidence to push myself further and continue improving,” she said.