No 1 Cass Alexander shines at Sunrise Country Club

South Africa's golden girl of golf Cass Alexander took the lead Thursday with a brilliant eight-under-par 64 in the Wistron Ladies Open at Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Chinese Taipei, writes Grant Winter.

The 27-year-old Alexander currently leads the 2026 Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit following victories in both the Irish Open and Italian Open, as well as no less than five runner-up finishes across the world.

A strong finish, let alone a win, in Chinese Taipei this week will ensure that she remains No 1 as the season draws to a close.

In a bogey-free round, she was out in 33 strokes on the par-36 opening loop before adding birdies at holes 11, 13 and 14 then eagling the 530m par-5 18th to be home in 31 on the inward loop. The Wistron Open is part of LET.

"My back was a little tight on the range before the round, and I was hitting some dodgy shots. But then I got on the course and I felt a lot better and started firing," said big-hitting Alexander who before concentrating on golf excelled, remarkably, at five different sports, representing South Africa at golf, hockey, athletics, badminton and netball at age-group level.

Compatriot Lee-Anne Pace carded a 70 on Thursday.