Rain poses challenge to local golfer
The South African amateur golfer of Mbombela, Monja Richards had a challenging four days in the Espirito Santo Trophy at the World Amateur Team Championships in Japan last week.
She posted a non-counting 76 on day one and fired a one under par 71 at the Iriyama Course on day two. Richards carded a 75 and a non-counting 80 on day three and four respectively.
Day one
The South African team was in a challenging position after the first-round action in the Espirito Santo Trophy at the championships wrapped up at the Karuizawa 72 East Golf Club in Japan on Wednesday.
Day two
The South African team produced a solid second round at the Karuizawa 72 East Golf Club in Japan on Thursday to keep their Espirito Santo Trophy campaign on track. Richards fired a one under par 71 at the Iriyama Course. She got going after an hour-long delay due to poor visibility, but turned in two over after bogeys at the second and ninth holes. The Mpumalanga golfer quickly wiped out the deficit with birdies on the 11th and 13th and knocked in another putt for a birdie on the 18th to put the seal on a flawless back nine.
Day three
The South African team drifted outside the top 25 in the Espirito Santo Trophy on a tough scoring day at the Karuizawa 72 East Golf Club on Friday. They dropped to joint 28th with Puerto Rico at six over par 438 after a third round of 152. Richards carded a 75 on a sopping wet Oshitate Course.
Final day
On the final day, the team claimed a share of 29th at the Karuizawa 72 East Golf Club, while Australia dealt Canada’s campaign a stunning blow on Saturday.
The fickle weather changed from sunny skies on day one to relentless rain on Friday as the South Africans slipped from a tie for seventh in the first round to joint 28th in the third. Richards posted a non-counting 80.
