Overview:
Kyra Van Kan earned places in The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open and The Investec South African Women’s Open in 2024, and the Lalla Meryem Cup and Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2025.
Kyra van Kan is the first-ever champion of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational after completing a wire-to-wire victory at Leopard Creek.
The South African won the 54-hole event by nine shots over compatriot Bobbi Brown to clinch the title on a one-under-par total of 215.
“I’m seriously overwhelmed, it’s such an amazing feeling,” said van Kan.
“Finishing here on such a prestigious golf course, I’m really honoured to have played golf in front of Mr (Johann) Rupert, The R&A and GolfRSA. It’s just incredible, this feeling. I’m really honoured to have my name on that trophy.
“This is something that I don’t think I’ll ever forget until I’m like 90. I think I’ll always cherish this moment. The R&A has made this moment feel so special and I’m forever grateful for that.”
The 18-year-old never relinquished the lead throughout the three rounds and, thanks to her win, has earned places in The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open and The Investec South African Women’s Open in 2024, and the Lalla Meryem Cup and Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2025.
“I’m really excited for these opportunities,” she added.
“To be able to go over to the UK and try and get into the AIG Women’s Open is just fabulous. I’m into the South African Women’s Open, which will be in Cape Town at Erinvale. I played in it last year, so I was really hoping to play it again this year, so I’m so excited. It’s always a privilege to be playing in special events. I can’t thank The R&A and GolfRSA enough.”
Meanwhile, another South African, Altin Van Der Merwe won the inaugural amateur men championship.
Altin needed a dramatic three-way play-off against countrymen Christiaan Maas and Ivan Verster.
Rolex is an event partner of the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational and is committed to supporting The R&A’s professional and amateur championships.
The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back almost 60 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the game, from the sport’s leading professional and amateur competitions and organisations, to players at the pinnacle of their discipline and younger talents embarking on their journey towards greatness.
