Staff WriterEngland’s Mimi Rhodes is lighting up Johannesburg, carrying her winning aura from Australia as she claimed the clubhouse lead in the first round of the Joburg Ladies Open at Modderfontein Golf Club.
The English dynamo, whose recent triumph at the Ford Women’s NSW Open on the Ladies European Tour still has tongues wagging, looked every bit the champion as she fired off a bogey-free eight-under-par 65.
With South Africa’s Casandra Alexander trailing just a shot behind, the stage is set for an enthralling battle on the greens.
A sudden downpour transformed the course into a waterlogged challenge, forcing officials to suspend play and reschedule the remainder of the round for Friday morning. Yet, even Mother Nature couldn’t dampen the spirits of these talented competitors.
Rhodes, clearly in fine form, remarked, “It was just really solid overall. I think the secret to this golf course is placing yourself well on the fairway to give you chances with approaches into the greens.
I had a lot of putts inside 10 feet that I holed, and I still think I left some out there. But it’s early days still so I’m just trying to stay in my own bubble on the golf course.” Her confidence, undoubtedly boosted by her maiden victory, was palpable.
Reflecting on her momentum, she added, “That win really boosted my confidence, especially with my putting.
I’m in a really good head space now. The putts just seemed to roll in today, but I’m not going to get ahead of myself.”
Clearly, Mimi Rhodes isn’t just playing the game; she’s rewriting her story with every stroke.
Not to be outdone, Casandra Alexander – the leading South African and a consistent force this season – put together a commendable 66. “It felt good. I actually didn’t sleep that well.
My dog kept me up all night, so maybe that’s the gameplan for the second round as well.
Sometimes you walk off the golf course and feel like you made a couple of birdies but didn’t hit it so great.
But today I hit it well and put myself in the right positions. It wasn’t my A game, but it was still my B plus game.
I rolled the putter nicely,” she explained with a wry smile and a nod to the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Alexander’s form has been nothing short of remarkable, consistently finishing in the top five and now leading the Investec Order of Merit.
“That’s what we’ve been working towards. I had a chat with my mental coach before this tournament and he said to me I’ve worked for this – to be in contention every week.
So it’s a great position to be in,” she continued, underscoring the mental toughness that separates the good from the great.
India’s Pranavi Urs is also making her mark, currently five under par with five holes still to play, adding another intriguing storyline to this unfolding saga.
The ceremonial tee shot, a proud moment for the city, was struck by Cllr. Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for Finance.
“This is definitely a proud moment for us to be promoting women’s sport in our city.
Entrance is free so I’d really like to encourage our communities to come and support the Joburg Ladies Open,” she declared, inviting locals to witness the unfolding drama on the greens.
In a tournament where skill, perseverance, and a dash of unpredictable weather blend into a captivating sporting narrative, Mimi Rhodes leads not only in score but in the hearts of golf fans eager for a masterclass in performance and spirit.
