Zethu leads the way for Border golfing girls

The Eastern Cape has been a rich source of talented girl golfers for the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB). Sisters Siviwe and Yolanda Duma, who are both now members of the elite Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation (EEFF), came through the SAGDB's ranks in Border. Young star Kim Daniels, who is also now an EEFF member, is a product of the board's Eastern Province region.

The board's commitment to girls in the province is continuing to bear fruit. 16-year old Zethu Myeki was recently selected for the Border girls team for the u/16 inter-provincial event in Aliwal North.

The tournament was contested between teams from the Southern Cape, Border, Boland, Eastern Cape and the North West.

Zethu finished 8th in field of 18 girls, carding 9-hole scores of 42, 38, 44, 48 and 43 off her 15 handicap.

"She gained a lot of confidence and experience from this event," says the SAGDB's development manager in Border Millie Zim. "She played in the East London Junior Championships the following weekend and finished second on a count out."

Zethu shot rounds of 78 and 82 at the East London championships. Her score was tied with the eventual winner, but she was counted into second place due to having a higher handicap.

Zim says that there are many girls in the Border region who might follow in Zethu's footsteps, but it's not always easy to find clubs for them.

"We also have three other up-and-coming girls who are really trying hard," she says. "By next year I expect them to be playing very well because we are exposing them to tournaments now."