Lisa Coetzer claimed the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational title at Royal Johannesburg, edging compatriot Lourenda Steyn by two strokes.
Coetzer had led after the first two rounds and held her nerve on a tense final day, finishing with a level-par total of 216. The 15-year-old had finished third in the competition last year and was delighted to get over the winning line this time around, saying:
“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.”
Final-Round Drama at Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational
After a nervy opening to her closing round that included a costly double bogey at the par-three second, the eventual champion showed remarkable composure to steady the ship. A run of six straight pars, capped by a birdie on the outward nine, kept her within striking distance, though she still found herself chasing Steyn as the leaders turned for home.
The momentum shifted decisively on the back nine. Coetzer’s relentless pressure forced an error from Steyn at the 15th, handing the youngster back the advantage and she left no doubt over the closing stretch. Clinical birdies at both the 17th and 18th sealed a memorable victory.
Steyn had also produced sensational golf throughout her final round, carding a one-under-par round of 71 to create an exhilarating spectacle. The fellow South African had earlier surged into contention with birdies at the opening hole and the fifth, then electrified the round with a superb eagle at the eighth to move in front. However, on debut at the championship, the 16-year-old’s challenge unraveled late when a loose approach into the 15th resulted in a double bogey, allowing Coetzer to sweep past and take control.
With victory coming in such dramatic fashion, Coetzer outlined the importance of maintaining mental fortitude under such pressure, stating:
“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.”
Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational Showcases Rising Talent
Elsewhere, defending champion Gia Raad concluded her title defence in a share of the eight-over-par 224 mark, finishing level with Charlotte Millard after four rounds.
Staged on the East Course at Royal Johannesburg, the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational continues to serve as a key showcase for the continent’s leading female amateur talent, offering a pathway for emerging players to compete on an international stage.
The triumph opens significant doors for Coetzer, securing her places at The Women’s Amateur Championship, AIG Women’s Open Final Qualifying, the Joburg Ladies Open, the Investec South African Women’s Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq.
Additional details about the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, including player fields and event updates, can be found here.
Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational 2026: Key Takeaways
- Lisa Coetzer captured a dramatic two-shot victory at Royal Johannesburg after a tense final-round battle with Lourenda Steyn.
- The 15-year-old’s triumph secures her starts in several major international championships, accelerating her pathway in elite women’s golf.
- The championship once again underlined its role as a vital platform for showcasing Africa’s top emerging amateur talent.
