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Lisa Coetzer tees off during day two of the Africa Amateur Women's Invitational: Image Credit - R&A Media

SOUTH African teenage sensation Lisa Coetzer produced another composed performance to complete a wire-to-wire victory at the R&A Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational at Royal Johannesburg on Friday afternoon.

The 15-year-old closed with yet another level-par 72 to claim the prestigious title, while also earning career-changing exemptions into several leading women’s tournaments. In the process, she became the youngest winner in the history of the championship.

Coetzer finished on level-par 216 after 54 holes, securing a two-shot victory over fellow South African Lourenda Steyn, who carded an overall two-over-par 218. With the win, 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 posting rounds of 72 in her opening two rounds, Coetzer once again signed for level-par in the final round. Her closing round did not get off to the best start as she recorded a double bogey at the second hole, but made a birdie at the ninth to turn in 38. After the turn, with the pressure mounting, she dropped a shot at the 13th before responding superbly with back-to-back birdies at the 17th and 18th holes for an inward 34. The late birdies proved crucial in sealing the championship. Second-placed Steyn closed with the best round of the day, a one-under-par 71, which included an eagle at the eighth, three birdies, a double bogey and two bogeys. Gia Raad and Charlotte Millard shared third place on eight-over-par 224.

The Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, alongside the Africa Amateur Championship, was developed by The R&A to nurture talent and provide a clear pathway for the continent’s elite amateur golfers to the international stage.