Staff WriterThe Joburg Ladies Open is heating up at Modderfontein Golf Club, where South Africa’s Casandra Alexander now trails England’s Mimi Rhodes by just three shots as the tournament heads into its dramatic final day.
Despite relentless downpours that forced a split-second round into two days and trimmed the event to 54 holes, the spirit of competition remains unyielding.
After completing a second round of 71 for a total of nine under par, Alexander has shown promise even in challenging conditions.
Ireland’s Lauren Walsh also posted a 69 to match the nine-under benchmark, but it is Rhodes who now leads at 12 under par after her own impressive 69.
The inclement weather not only disrupted play but also added an extra twist to this co-sanctioned event on both the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour.
Alexander began her second round with early birdies over three holes on Friday before heavy rain forced a pause in play.
Resuming on Saturday, she grabbed birdies at holes five and 15, only to see a double bogey on the 17th—courtesy of a wayward shot into a hazard—stall her momentum. Reflecting on the setback, she explained,
“I didn’t hit a great tee shot there and got lucky to have a shot at the pin. I caught it a little heavy and because it’s wet the ball just doesn’t carry, and there you go. The greens were really slow today.
It was tough to get the pace right because it was changing all the time with the rain, and then they would speed up when it was dry. But we’re still in the running and will have an interesting final day,”
Meanwhile, Rhodes appears unfazed by the weather’s antics. With a strong run of four birdies in five holes during the turn, she not only extended her lead but also maintained the focus that has become her trademark.
Fresh off a victory in Australia last week, she is now eyeing back-to-back triumphs on the Ladies European Tour. Reflecting on her game, Rhodes shared,
“I just stuck to my routine and kept my focus. I had a couple of good up-and-downs to start and my putts were going in and I kept the momentum from yesterday.
I like target golf and it was a bit like that. You just have to stay patient. My caddie helped me a lot when I was frustrated at missing greens.
“But I was just having fun out there and trying to take advantage of the birdies when I could. I’m not going to think too far ahead. I’ll relax after a stressful day, keep my routine the same and then fingers crossed for the final day,”
As the final day beckons, the Joburg Ladies Open promises a riveting showdown. With the weather as unpredictable as the course conditions, both Alexander and Rhodes have exhibited the resilience and finesse that make this tournament a highlight on the tour.
Golf fans can look forward to a finale that’s as unpredictable and engaging as a round played in a rainstorm at Modderfontein.
