Joburg Employee Secures Pro-Am Win Before Prestigious Ladies Open

A City of Johannesburg employee shined at the Pro-Am tournament on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated Joburg Ladies Open, which officially begins this week.

For Specialist Town Planner Keletso Kgotse, the third time was the charm. Competing in her third Pro-Am, she delivered an outstanding performance, securing two prizes. Kgotse claimed the longest drive on hole eight and, alongside her amateur teammates Thanda Zama and Phumzile Langeni, as well as professional golfers Annabel Dimmock and Helen Kreuzer, clinched the overall win with a total of 84 points.

“I’m incredibly grateful. I entered just to enjoy myself because golf is my passion, so winning was unexpected. It was a fantastic experience, and our team worked so well together—whenever one of us faced a challenge, another stepped up,” said Kgotse.

She praised her professional teammates, adding, “Annabel was so composed, and Helen was amazing company. They made everything feel effortless.”

Kgotse also commended the City of Johannesburg for supporting women’s golf. “It’s fantastic that the City is hosting such a prestigious international tournament. Women in golf need more opportunities like this, and I hope this event continues so that young players can gain exposure on an international level.”

The runners-up in the Pro-Am were professionals Casandra Alexander and Carolin Kauffmann, alongside amateur teammates Ethel Nyembe, Gwen Makhathini, and Heidi van der Berg, who finished with 82 points. The third-place team featured professional golfers Momoka Kobori and Hayley Davis, joined by amateurs Lelane Straw, Adri Vorster, and Carol Martin.

The Pro-Am gives amateur golfers the unique opportunity to play alongside professionals, and this year’s event featured an all-female lineup in a four-ball alliance format. The Joburg Ladies Open, co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and the Ladies European Tour, officially tees off on Thursday, 3 April. The tournament winner, to be crowned on Sunday, 6 April, will claim a share of the €300,000 (R5.8 million) prize purse.

At the prize-giving ceremony, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, extended a warm welcome to players and sponsors.

“As the City of Johannesburg kicks off the 2025 Joburg Ladies Open, I’m delighted to welcome you all to our beautiful city,” she said. “The strong turnout highlights the passion and dedication that make this tournament special. For us, it’s not just about competition—it’s about economic growth, showcasing Johannesburg’s energy, and strengthening our global reputation. We take pride in celebrating the 10th edition of this event since its launch in 2015.”

Arnolds also expressed hope that a South African golfer would lift the trophy and thanked the tournament’s sponsors and partners for their support. “Public-private partnerships are crucial in making major events like this possible,” she added.

This year’s tournament also continued the Birdies for Dignity campaign, raising over R10,000 for the initiative. Additional donations followed the prize-giving ceremony, with the Itu Foundation—an organisation dedicated to supporting young golfers—contributing R5,000.

Innocentia Motau, founder of the Itu Foundation, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “Restoring dignity to young golfers is essential. Corporates also have a role to play in making a difference,” she said.

The Joburg Ladies Open is open to spectators from Thursday to Sunday, with free entry for all.

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Sourced:City Of Joburg