The signature Jack Nicklaus golf course welcomed a field of talented junior golfers to the tournament. The tournament concluded with two new national champions, Isabella Han and Pieter Coetzee, who delivered impressive performances on the challenging greens.
The championship showcased the skills of South Africa’s top junior golfers, and Pecanwood’s scenic course provided a memorable backdrop for the high-stakes competition. Both winners shared insights into their mental game, emphasising focus over the pressure to win.
Isabella Han secured her first national title in a remarkable victory. “I was trying to focus on my round and swing thought, and the win just came as a bonus,” she shared with Golf Africa, describing the feeling of her first major win as “euphoric.”
In the men’s division, Pieter Coetzee emerged victorious after a tense playoff. He sealed his win with a masterful 12-foot putt on the third playoff hole. Coetzee’s strategy was one of pure concentration. “I knew I needed to play better golf to win the playoff,” he told Golf Africa. “I just tried to focus on one shot at a time instead of thinking about winning.”
Pecanwood Estate expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to host the prestigious event. “It has been a privilege and honour to have the Nomads North and South U/19s playing at Pecanwood. We will be hosting this event for the next two years and we feel priviliged to have the creme of the crop play here,” William van Mierlo, Pecanwood’s Golf Operations Manager explained.
The event underscored Pecanwood’s reputation as a premier golfing destination capable of providing a challenging and rewarding experience for even the most elite players.