Coetzer Wins Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational

Johannesburg, South Africa: Lisa Coetzer won the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational at Royal Johannesburg with a two-shot victory over fellow South African Lourenda Steyn.

Coetzer, who finished third last year, led after the first two rounds and triumphed on the final day with a level-par total of 216, completing a wire-to-wire victory in the process.

The 15-year-old endured a tricky start to her final round with a double-bogey on the par-three second hole and despite recovering well with six consecutive pars and a birdie to close out the front nine, she trailed Steyn as they made their way down the final stretch.

Coetzer continued to apply the pressure, eventually regaining the lead after Steyn found trouble on the 15th, before closing out the win on the final two holes with back-to-back birdies.

Thanks to her win, Coetzer earns starts into The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, Joburg Ladies Open, The Investec South African Women’s Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq.

Coetzer said: “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.”

Steyn also played outstanding golf throughout the final round, carding a one-under-par 71. Birdies on the first and fifth, followed by an eagle on the eighth, gave her the lead, but the 16-year-old, who was making her debut at the event this year, was eventually overtaken by Coetzer after a wayward approach shot on the 15th led to a double-bogey.

Coetzer was keen to emphasise how mental strength played a big part in her win, adding: “My mental preparation played a massive part in my win because I was basically behind the lead again from around the fifth 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.”
 
Last year’s winner Gia Raad ended the week tied alongside Charlotte Millard on an eight-over-par total of 224.

The 2025 Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational was held at Royal Johannesburg East Course and aims to provide a platform for the finest amateur golfers on the continent.

Rolex and Peter Millar are event partners of the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, with both committed to supporting The R&A’s professional and amateur championships.