Regional women’s golf challenge tees off in Windhoek

Top amateur women golfers from five nations begin battling for the Southern Regional All Africa Challenge Trophy in Windhoek today.

The Namibia Amateur Ladies Golf Union (Nalgu) is hosting the competition, which runs until Thursday, at the Windhoek Golf Club.

Alongside the host nation, top amateur women golfers from Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe are participating in the tournament which is a gateway to the continental All Africa Challenge Trophy finals.

The Namibian national team comprising four outstanding women – Wilmari Woest, Ruanda de Beer, Wilna Bredenhann and Doulaine Holtzhausen – has shown incredible commitment, discipline and sportsmanship.

“We are immensely proud of them, both on and off the course, and encourage the public to rally behind their national team,” the union says.

Woest, Namibia’s top ranked women’s golfer, anticipates a positive experience.

Her golf journey began as a way to spend more time with her father and later, with her husband and coach, Pieter Woest – a former South African golf professional.

Since picking up the game in 2018, she has quickly risen to the top of Namibia’s women’s rankings.

“The focus on having fun and not the results,” Woest says of her approach to the competition.

The tournament forms an important part of the African women’s amateur golf calendar and is held under the auspices of the Africa Golf Confederation with support from the famed Scottish Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, better known The R&A.

This tournament will be the first major event delivered by the newly elected NALGU committee, which assumed office in late January this year.

“Since taking up their roles, the committee has focused on the planning and operational execution required to ensure that the tournament is run to a high standard and that visiting teams are hosted appropriately,” the union says.

“Our goal is to deliver a memorable tournament that reflects the spirit of African unity, competitive excellence and Namibia’s legendary warm hospitality.

“We invite members of the public, supporters of women’s sport and golf lovers across the country to join us for the daily tee offs from 1 to 3 April at 09h00 and support their favourite teams,” the national golf federation continues.

“Let us fill the fairways with cheers, pride and Namibian spirit as we showcase the best of women’s golf in our region.

“Spectators are kindly requested to observe standard golf etiquette. In particular, we ask that silence be maintained during tee offs, as this is essential in a competitive environment.”

The Windhoek Golf Club, known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, has made extensive preparations to ensure the course meets the requirements of the event.

Recent rainfall, combined with the dedicated efforts of the club’s management and team of greenkeepers, has resulted in excellent playing conditions.

“Nalgu extends its appreciation to the club’s management, especially club chairman Gerhard Van Rooyen, general manager Trevor Britton and vice captain Claud Abrahams for their support in hosting this tournament,” says the union, adding that renowned administrator Dan Zwiebel of DZ Golf will serve as the tournament’s rules official for the competition.

“Dan’s professionalism, vast experience and technical expertise as a qualified golf expert bring a high standard of governance and integrity to the event,” NALGU says.

”This event provides an opportunity to showcase women’s golf in Namibia and strengthen collaboration across the region. We thank all our sponsors, volunteers, partners, and the media for helping us shine a much-needed spotlight on women’s golf in Namibia and across Africa. Together, let’s make the 2025 Southern Regional All Africa Challenge Trophy a celebration of talent, unity and progress.”