AFRICA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

February 7, 2025

Gia Raad

Quick Quotes

Q. How does it feel to win the championship?

GIA RAAD: It feels surreal. It's been a very quick week; I'm not going to lie. But today was a tough day, and I'm just really, really happy. I don't really have the words to describe it.

Q. You had a three-shot lead going in, but obviously it's a difficult golf course, Bobbi was pushing you hard. How did you get into the round and settle your nerves?

GIA RAAD: It actually wasn't, like, a huge lead. Quickly Bobbi caught up to me, and I made a couple mistakes, especially I made one on the second hole. But I don't know, I just tried to keep my composure and tried to stick to my game plan, and it just worked out in my favour.

Q. How did you hang in there on the back nine? Obviously you got back into leading position but then it's just about keeping your head in it?

GIA RAAD: Yeah, the back nine I could start to feel the nerves. My tummy was going crazy.

It's nice because me and Bobbi were cheering each other on, and we have a really good friendship, so it was helpful. She helped me keep calm.

Q. Now all the things that come with winning the trophy, the chances to play in all these championships, and balancing that with your schoolwork?

GIA RAAD: I'm not too sure. We'll see when it comes up. But I just know I'm going to practice hard and study even harder because I have to finish school. But yeah, it's so amazing that we get these opportunities, even to play at this course and get to qualify for all those things. It's just crazy.