Casandra Alexander eagled the 54th hole of the MCB Ladies Classic – Mauritius only to watch Smilla Tarning Sønderby birdie and claim victory.
Another week, another strong showing from South Africa’s top-ranked golfer.
There may have been plenty of distractions in the sun and resort life at Constance Belle Mare Plage (the beachside restaurant has turned into the players lounge) but Alexander showed all the focus in attempting to land her second LET victory.
On a thrilling Sunday, it wasn’t to be for the big-hitting Johannesburg star.
A double at the 10th saw her playing catch up on a day when low scores were pouring in. Italy’s Anna Zanusso soared up the leaderboard after a carding a course record 63.
It was a round that put the final group on red alert.
Full credit to Alexander though who despite trailing by as many as four, pulled level with an closing eagle from downtown.
It heaped the pressure on Denmark’s Sønderby, who rushed her own eagle attempt four foot past. Her caddie/mother could only look on full on nerves before exhaling in her own delight as the Dane finished alone at -14.
“Oh, getting used to it at this stage … just one short again,” said Alexander.
“You know, Doug and I had a chat on the green while Smila was still reading her putt … We’re doing the right things. There were a couple of mistakes and that’s why we were short.”
Even in defeat, however narrow, Alexander has the grit in her eyes that makes anyone listening believe she will win and win often.
“It’s not because we lack the talent or skill. So I think it’s just refining, you know, if I’d played the perfect game and lost, then I’d be a little more worried.
“So yeah, I think it’s just tidy up a little all around. I’m playing well. I haven’t won this year, or won in a while, but I’m playing well. I’m in the top five every week, which means we’re doing the right thing. So I think it’s easy for people to say, oh, I’ve come second, I’ve come second. The first second place was to the world number five. The second, second place was the world number five.
“So it means we’re doing the right thing. Second place isn’t as bad, obviously.
“It feels terrible because you’ve one shot or two shots behind of winning, but we’re doing the right things. We’re playing good golf. So, yeah, I’m not disappointed with it. I won’t say not disappointed … I’m disappointed, I’m one short, but I played well and I’m proud of myself on how I bounce back.
I had a couple of hiccups here and there, and I just kept kept thinking about that Nelly KOrda quote when she won Chevron. She’s like, she wanted to show people that you can miss a short putt and hit bad shots and still win golf tournaments.
“So I kept bringing myself back into it, and I’m proud of myself with that, I’m learning as we go, and hopefully once I do it get over the finish line, it’s just a waterfall of wins.”
That’s extremely good perspective from the young golfer who is now closing in on nearly 10 second place finishes in the past two seasons.
Such is her growing star attraction, Alexander spent a long while signing autographs and dishing out high fives to young fans. Selfies too.
“I always have time for the fans and it’s, you know, I’ve worked my whole life to get into the spotlight and then when you’re in it to run away into the corner and be upset about your round isn’t really the way I want things to play out,” she added.
“So I always have time for a photo and a signature and they came out all this way to watch and support in this heat. And a lot of them have walked with me the whole 18, so it’s just my little way of giving back.”
Futher evidence that Alexander is destined for the very, very top.
And a touch of class shown to the eventual champion too with the mother and daughter duo winning this week in Mauritius.
“I know Smilla’s story a little bit and she did really well in 2022 and won but it kind of had the opposite effect of what it does on most people. She kind of went downhill from there and struggled a bit.
“So it’s really nice to see her back [playing her best] as soon as she sat down at the [scorer’s] table, I said, ‘It’s nice to have you back’.
“She looks happy on the golf course. She played unbelievable. She hits the ball spectacularly. And, yeah, she said after I nailed the eagle putt it made her nervous and she threw a little F bomb … I did put the pressure on, but she did so well. She played really well all day.
“She kept it solid when I did put the pressure on, so all good and happy that she won.”
