10-year-old Dané Gerber just placed her name in the history books by becoming the youngest winner of the lady’s division of the Nedbank Amateur Golf Challenge.
South Africa (21 August 2023) – Dané Gerber has made South African golfing history by being the first U18 player to win the ladies Nedbank Amateur Golf Challenge. At just 10 years old, she is proving she has what it takes to be the best for South Africa.
Playing at the Gary Player Country Club, assisted by her father’s caddy Andrew Mathikge, Dané went up against five women, one of whom was her own mom Pauline Gerber.
Andrew has been Johan Gerber’s caddy for the last 20 years. The family have taken part in the golfing tournament for the last 20 years so it’s in Dané’s blood to be a worthy competitor at the event. Dad Johan shared with the George Herald that he encouraged her to have fun at the event, even if she came last. Watching her play her way into first was one of his proudest moments.
In winning, she has earned a place for herself and mom to attend the VIP Nedbank Golf Challenge in November as well as complimentary accomodation and attendance to the champions dinner before the event swings off.
Dané’s school, Laerskool Blanco, is passionate about golf too, hosting extra curricular activities which include golf. Her fellow schoolgoers can also perfect their swings and work their way up the golfing ranks to win big.
It is safe to say that Dané is a name to watch. And while she is still young and just having fun, it is clear she has a talent and a passion for the sport that could take her far. Her dream is to become a professional golf player and while she looks up to the greats like Lexi Thompson, she still draws her inspiration from closer to home, in mom!