GOLFRSA SQUAD WATCH

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FOCUS

An impressive work ethic, plus a desire to be the best, is setting this teenager up for big things 

Christiaan Maas’ all-encompassing love for the game is also to the benefit of those who have the privilege of watching him
play  

BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG 

At just 19 years old, Charlotte Millard is already making waves in South African golf – and beyond.


With a swing as smooth as her composure and a mindset forged in discipline, she's chasing both fairways and excellence.


Born and raised in Hillcrest, near Durban, Millard's journey into golf began unexpectedly during the December holidays of 2019.


'I started playing golf during our school holidays,' she recalls. 'Then I kind of stopped when school started again. But when the Covid lockdown hit, I picked it up again, just playing in my garden.'


That backyard swing would become the foundation of a career that's now brimming with potential.


Before golf, Millard was a multi-sport athlete, but something clicked. 'I always knew I wanted to play professional sport,' she says. 'My dad thought I'd have a bit of talent for golf, so I gave it a go.'


That father's instinct proved prophetic.

'Short term, I want to do well in events like the GolfRSA International and the SA Amateur. Long term, I'm aiming to play on the professional tour, hopefully by 2027 or 2028'

CHIP SHOTS

Favourite food? Spaghetti bolognese.

Favourite golfer? 'Rory McIlroy on the men's tour, and I have to be biased and say Ashleigh Buhai on the ladies' side.'

The last book read? The Master, a biography of Roger Federer. 'I really liked it,' she says. 'He's such a great example of professionalism and longevity.'

Her favourite travel memory? A trip to London with her mom between tournaments. 'It was special – a nice break in between the intensity.'

The most famous person met? 'I haven't really met anyone famous.'

Her rise has been swift and impressive. Among her proudest moments is winning the South African Girls Championship at Sun City last year, one of the country's most prestigious junior tournaments.


'That was a very special one,' she says. 'The course is tough, and I was three or four shots behind going into the final day. To pull off the win meant a lot.'


But it didn't stop there. Shortly after, Millard jetted off to Northern Ireland for the Champion of Champions tournament, having qualified by winning the Zimbabwe Junior Open.


'There were players from all over ... really strong competition,' she explains. 'A girl from Norway was especially good. Everyone had to qualify through different tours, so it was a proper test.'


Millard passed that test with flying colours, clinching the title and stamping her name on the international radar.

Gallery below

In December 2024, she was South Africa's top performer at the Egyptian Ladies Amateur Open, finishing second. This impressive result came at the El Gouna Golf Course, where she competed against leading amateur golfers from Europe and North Africa.


Millard's runner-up finish, just behind Spain's Julia Gilman, demonstrated her resilience and ability to excel under pressure in unfamiliar conditions. It was an exceptional achievement for a young golfer early in her career.


Her success, however, hasn't come by chance. 'I'm quite a hard worker,' she says with quiet confidence. 'I put in a lot of hours every day. So I expect to improve quickly because of how much I work.'


That work ethic is evident in her daily routine: gym sessions, coaching, technical drills, and mental preparation. 'Every day is full commitment,' she admits. 'There's not much else happening.'


Balancing school with golf was one of her biggest challenges. 'I didn't start playing seriously until later in high school,' she explains. 'I was still at a normal school while many girls were home-schooling. I hadn't taken the easier subjects, so juggling travel and academics was tough.'

Now that she's graduated, the focus is fully on golf, and the results are showing.


Millard plays out of Killarney in Johannesburg, often commuting between there and her family home. Her presence on the local circuit has been consistent and competitive.


'The competition is great,' she says. 'I've had a good run with top-three finishes, but not many wins because the girls are really good. There's constant competition, which keeps me sharp.'


She credits her coach and support team for keeping her grounded and focused. 'It's definitely a team effort,' she says. 'From my coach to my trainer, everyone plays a role in helping me stay ready, physically and mentally.'


Looking ahead, Millard's goals are clear. 'Short term, I want to do well in events like the GolfRSA International and the SA Amateur,' she says. 'Long term, I'm aiming to play on the professional tour, hopefully by 2027 or 2028.'


Her dream destination? The  Ladies European Tour.

She's also optimistic about the future of women's golf in South Africa.


'There's great promise,' she says. 'The Sunshine Ladies Tour is growing, and the GolfRSA squad system (which she joined aged 16) is helping younger players come through. The Bushveld Tour also gives ladies more opportunities to compete. There's a lot happening.'


Despite her laser focus, Millard remains grounded. Her advice to young girls considering golf is simple but profound: 'Make sure you enjoy the game first before anything else. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but in the end, it will pay off.'

GOLFRSA | ROGER SEDRES | ERNEST BLIGNAULT