Vryheid golfer Liezl Smit has added another national title to her achievements after winning the Senior Division of the 2026 SA Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship at Selborne Golf Club in KwaZulu-Natal from October 31 to November 2.

Representing Vryheid Golf Club, Smit finished with a winning total of 228 after rounds of 76, 79 and a closing 73 to secure the title.

Her final round proved decisive, giving the KwaZulu-Natal golfing community plenty to celebrate as she claimed the Senior Division title on home soil.

The championship attracted 112 golfers across the Mid-Amateur and Senior divisions, with approximately two-thirds of the field competing in the Senior Division.

A first senior championship title

Smit, who turned 50 at the end of last year, competed for the first time in the Senior Championship. However, winning national titles is nothing new to the experienced golfer.

Her love for the game began at the age of 12 in Aliwal North, where she lived within walking distance of the golf course. Neither of her parents played golf, but she was introduced to the sport by the boy next door, who was the same age.

“I started playing golf with an old set of clubs belonging to my dad. My grandfather later bought me a new set, and I excelled quite quickly, playing provincially a year later,” she said.

Almost 40 years later, Smit is still competing at a high level, having played golf throughout South Africa and internationally.

Focus helps seal the win

Going into the final round at Selborne, she knew she had to stay focused and concentrate on her game rather than let the pressure of competing for the title get to her.

“I focused on the task at hand and not the situation,” she said.

A steady start helped her settle into the round. Her focus was on hitting fairways and greens and giving herself opportunities to putt for birdies.

“I had a solid start and was just hitting fairways and greens. I turned level par after the first round, and that set the tone for the second nine, securing the win,” she said.

Although she has won national titles before, this one was special.

“Winning a national championship is always a huge honour and privilege. I have won a couple of national titles before, but I turned 50 at the end of last year. This was a first for me to compete in the Senior Championship,” she said.

Making the most of what Vryheid offers

Being based in Vryheid made the achievement even more meaningful. Smit said golfers in smaller towns do not always have access to the same practice facilities as those in the cities.

“We do not have the practice facilities that players in the cities are practising on. I made the best of what I have, and that makes the win extra special,” she said.

Behind her success is the support of a family who have shared in the sacrifices and commitments that come with competitive golf.

Smit paid tribute to her parents, particularly her father, who is still alive and continues to take pride in her achievements. She also thanked her husband, Andre, and their two daughters for supporting her travels and competitions over the years.

“As a child, my parents made many sacrifices to allow me to play all over, and I want to thank them for that,” she said.

She added that having a family who understood the demands of competitive golf had made the journey even more special. At one stage, all four family members were playing competitive golf.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.