adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
DANIELLE Bekker, the Zimbabwe representative at the 2013 Kids Golf world championships, finished in 11th place at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Senai, Malaysia, last week. The 11-year-old Chapman junior had scores of 101, 91 and 98 for a total 290 after the three rounds.
Bekker, who is under the guidance of veteran coach Cathy Riley, played against some of the world’s best golfers.
Her father Ryan, who is also her caddie, said her performance was not great but solid.
“She came 11th in Malaysia, which was not great and she was quite nervous with the crowds and did not play her best golf,” Ryan said.
“It was a good experience for her and that it will prepare her well for the international tournaments she will take part in 2014.
“She has been playing very well since she returned home in some junior tournaments.”
The junior golf players have been playing in the Mashonaland Daillies and they will play in the Zimbabwe Junior tourney in the first week of January.
Bekker is expected to play in the European Junior World Golf Championships in May next year as well as the USA Championships at the end of July 2014.
She is also set for the Junior Africa Challenge in August 2014.
Bernirce Oliverez Ilas won the tourney in Malaysia after she carded 74, 70 and 70.
Meanwhile, six juniors — Justin Kersten, Donald Kadzerange, Irvin Nembaware, David Amm, Tare Fundira and Brendan Sly — are set to travel to Zambia to compete in a tourney that will feature Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mike Baylis will be the coach and Craig Sly is the Team Manager.
Zimbabwe Junior Golf president, Brian Maphosa, said in the past this was a Tri Nations tournament that featured Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
“Zimbabwe has won all previous tournaments in the last eight years or so. I am confident that the team will deliver the goods as it has done over the past years,” said Maphosa.
Online Reporter