Banda retains Bollore Africa golf championship
On a sunlit winter Saturday morning, Emmanuel Banda turned on a five-star show to retain the Bollore Africa Logistics invitational golf tournament championship at Nchalo Golf Club in Chikhwawa.
Three birdies, a bit of bogeys and two pars on front nine, ensured that Banda was on victory path and by the time he got it over and done with, he had a score of 40 points.
His runner-up was Alipo Nyondo who registered 38 points while Phillip Phambana came third on 35 points, after counting out James Chabwera.
“I had good form and I was just down to basics. I took it easy and had my head down,” said Banda who got a trophy and a golf bag as prizes.
The winner in the ladies category was Denise Pictorious on 31 points. Her runner-up was Sophie Kalambule on 28 points.
In subsidiary category, Nchalo Golf Club captain John Mphande had the best front on 18 points whereas Medson Kalambule was the best back nine on 19 points.
Dan Phiri had the longest drive on hole 17. Longest drive in the female category was Sophie Kalambule, nearest to the pin for men (front) was Victor Jere and nearest to the pin (back) was Chrispin Ng’oma while nearest to the pin for ladies was Pictorious.
Bollore Africa Logistics Malawi managing director Roderick Phiri said the company was once again happy to host an invitational tournament at a club that has become one of the country’s premier golfing venues.
“Illovo has been our partner for quite a while and we would like to thank them for their support. Thanks to all golfers, some of you have come from as far as Lilongwe. Next year, we will return to Nchalo as we will to Dwangwa as well,” said Phiri.
Mphande thanked the sponsor, the golfers and the green keeper for making the tournament a success.
Fifty-three golfers took part and the sponsor donated K150 000 (US$365) for the maintenance of the greens.
