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Lisa Coetzer poses with the trophy following her victory during day three of the Africa Amateur Women's Invitational at Royal Johannesburg: Image Credit - R&A Media

LISA Coetzer has described her wire-to-wire, two-shot victory over Lourenda Steyn at the R&A Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational at Royal Johannesburg’s East Course on Friday afternoon as a major stepping stone in her career, as she prepares to showcase her talent on some of the world’s leading stages.

The 15-year-old became the youngest winner of the prestigious event after carding an overall level-par 216, earning exemptions into several top women’s tournaments.

“Winning means the world. I've been working really hard to win this event because you get into so many tournaments that could give me so much recognition for what I want to do in the future. I don't think it's really kicked in yet, but I'm really happy,” she said. She added that mental strength played a crucial role in her triumph. “Today my mental preparation played a massive part in my win because I was basically behind the lead again from around the 5th hole. I needed to come back mentally because Lourenda wasn't making any mistakes; she's a great player. “I just needed to play my own game and focus and kind of ignore everything going on around me. I got to do that, so I'm really happy,” she added. With the victory, Coetzer earned exemptions into The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, the Joburg Ladies Open, the Investec South African Women’s Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq. After opening the tournament with rounds of 72 in the first two days, Coetzer once again signed for a level-par score in the final round. Her closing round did not get off to the best start, as she carded a double bogey at the second hole, followed by a birdie at the ninth to turn in 38. After the turn, and with the pressure mounting, she dropped a shot at the 13th but responded superbly with back-to-back birdies at the 17th and 18th holes to post an inward 34. The two birdies proved decisive in sealing the championship.

Steyn finished on two-over-par 218, while Gia Raad and Charlotte Millard shared third place on eight-over-par 224.