England’s Mimi Rhodes overcame a strong challenge from South Africa’s Casandra Alexander to claim back-to-back wins on the Ladies European Tour in the Joburg Ladies Open at Modderfontein Golf Club on Sunday. MICHAEL VLISMAS reports.
Rhodes showed her composure when she made a tricky up-and-down for par at the last to close with a 71 and win on 14 under par overall in this Sunshine Ladies Tour co-sanctioned tournament.
In a thrilling back-nine duel, Alexander narrowly missed a birdie putt on the 18th to force a playoff with her English opponent. The South African signed for a final round of 69 to finish second on 13 under par.
Germany’s Helen Briem made a strong charge through the field with her 68 to take third place on 11 under par.
This was Rhodes’ second consecutive victory in her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour following her win in last week’s Ford Women’s NSW Open in Australia.
“I never would’ve imagined this,” said Rhodes. “It’s a dream come true to be playing so well so early in my career. I’m honestly lost for words. It’s amazing and I can’t wait for the rest of the season and hopefully I can keep the good golf going.”
Rhodes took a three-shot lead into the final round of a tournament reduced to 54 holes because of the weather.
The final round was an incredible battle between Rhodes and Alexander, with the South African twice narrowing the gap to just one shot and Rhodes responding accordingly.
With a one-shot lead playing the 18th, Rhodes overshot the green with her approach and Alexander put her approach to about eight feet. Rhodes produced a masterful chip that left her with a tap-in for par, and Alexander missed her birdie putt.
“I was just thinking one shot at a time,” said Rhodes. “I’d been chipping well all day and the shot felt comfortable. I just thought I’ve got nothing to lose so commit to it. I’m happy I pulled it off.
“It’s amazing to win two-in-a-row, and to win in a country I’ve never been to before. I’m so excited and overwhelmed.”
Alexander retains her place at the top of the Investec Order of Merit going into the final tournament of the season – the Investec South African Women’s Open at Erinvale this coming week.
Photo: Troy Winfield/Sunshine Ladies Tour
