Nobuhle Dlamini capitalised on perfect weather conditions during the first round of the NTT Data Ladies Pro-Am at Fancourt on Friday and secured the lead in the first event on this year’s Sunshine Ladies Tour with a five-under-par 67.
The 33-year old Dlamini – a former champion of this event – opened her tournament on the Outeniqua course and carded seven birdies, five of which came on the back nine and which played as her first nine. She dropped two shots in her round.
This week’s tournament is played over 54 holes on two different courses including Fancourt’s Outeniqua and Montagu.
South Africa’s Lindi Coetzee and Ivanna Samu join Tina Mazarino from Norway as her nearest challengers on four-under-par 68.
Germany’s Helen Kreuzer, a winner on last year’s Sunshine Ladies Tour, as well as Danielle du Toit, England’s Florentyna Parker, Romy Meekers from the Netherlands and Spain’s Harang Lee are all two shots off the lead. Defending champion Kylie Henry from Scotland opened with a disappointing 78.
Dlamini is making her return to the Sunshine Ladies Tour after becoming a mother, and said parenthood has given her a new perspective on the game.
“I love the game, but it’s not everything anymore. It doesn’t make me so angry anymore because I may get upset on the golf course and when I get home my 16-month baby boy just puts a smile on my face and I’m happy. So definitely, I’m much more relaxed on the course, and I have something to play for now – there is extra motivation.”
Dlamini said her first round was especially enjoyable as all the memories from her win in 2019 came flooding back.
“I had a good day. I hit the ball really well with lots of good shots, and I read the putts well, so I’m quite happy with my game. The course is playing well and the weather is perfect, so I had to take advantage.
“I love this whole set-up. The golf courses at Fancourt are all beautiful. We’re playing Montagu in the second round and it’s also a lovely golf course which I enjoy. I love the greens at Montagu. I putted well at Outeniqua and I think if I can take the momentum onto the Montagu I might actually come in with a good score there as well. But I’ll take it one shot at a time. I’m feeling good about it.”
This year marks the transition from what was formerly the Dimension Data Pro-Am to the rebranded NTT Data Pro-Am, with the first ladies tournament taking place in 2014.
Photo: Troy Winfield/Sunshine Tour
