By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Blantyre Sports Club on Saturday hosted the 2024 edition of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) annual invitational golf tournament.
The tournament featured a team stableford point format, where players earn points based on their performance relative to par on each hole.
NBM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya officially teed off the tournament.
Speaking after the prize presentation ceremony on a chilly afternoon, Jiya said NBM was proud to support and promote the growth of golf in Malawi while creating a relaxed environment for business interaction.
“This tournament not only showcases the talent of our golfers but also strengthens the bonds within our golfing community. It is a platform for networking and friendship among participants,” Jiya said.
The event attracted over 90 golfers who showcased skills and strategies throughout the day, creating an engaging competition filled with spirited play.
The tournament saw Chichiri Service Centre clinching victory with an impressive combined score of 92 points.
The winning team comprised Paul Laurence, playing off a handicap of 14, Madalitso Tandwe (handicap 20), Nyakhoko Nsona (handicap 17), and Ulemu Luhanga (handicap 21).
Laurence, representing the Chichiri team, commended NBM for organising a well-run tournament and fostering friendship among golfers.
“Competition was intense, but the spirit of camaraderie made it all the more enjoyable. We are grateful for the support and look forward to more events like this,” he said.
In second place was Mulanje Service Centre, scoring a combined total of 86 points.
The team featured Ronwell Malikita (handicap 18), John Gift Mwakhwawa (handicap 9) and Wilma Chalulu (handicap 31).
Custom Road Service Centre finished third with 83 combined points, comprising players Robert Hanjanja (handicap 18), Gift Kawamba (handicap 10), and Wasm Karim.
The tournament also had a seniors’ category, where Eric Chapola, playing off a handicap of 13, emerged victorious with 35 points.
He was followed by Kanjedza Kamwendo (handicap 20), who took second place with 31 points, and Lester Tandwe, who counted in for third position.
In addition to the team accolades, individual performances were recognised. Thoko Gaffar took home the ladies’ longest drive award while Chimwemwe Chimwaza secured the men’s longest drive title.
Nearest to the pin honours went to Ignacio Kambale and Gaffar on hole number 10.
All podium finish winners walked away with various prizes, including trophies, shopping vouchers, golf bags and golf trolleys.
As part of its commitment to local sports development, NBM donated K3 million to Blantyre Sports Club for the maintenance of its golf course, with a focus on refurbishing the greens.
BSC captain Mike Juma thanked NBM for hosting the tournament and for their ongoing support towards the upkeep of the club’s facilities.
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