Gabriel Kambale is Airtel’s ‘Mr. Money’
Playing off three-handicap, Gabriel Kambale deservedly earned the ‘Mr. Money’ title after winning the three-day Airtel Money Golf Championship at Country Club Limbe last weekend.
Nothing was forced, nothing hurried from a golfer soaring with confidence as he stood head and shoulders above a field of 152 golfers to wrap it up with a 148 gross.
Kambale, who is the national team manager, went away with a golf bag, K15 000 (about $17.50) Airtel money, a trophy and a tyre repair kit. He was also nearest to the pin on hole 13 and had the best overall net. That was not all, he also got a birdie on the toilsome hole 9 alongside Phillip Madinga.
Appearing free and easy, Kambale played one shot at a time and his par 5s and par 3s on the first day, were the centrepieces of his triumph as he turned them into birdies.
“I would like to thank Airtel Money for putting up such a good show. On behalf of all the golfers, I would like to assure you that we will support you, in particular the Airtel Money product,” said Kambale.
His runner-up was Lilongwe-based national team star Adam Sailesi who had a 150 gross. He got a Wilson driver, K12 000 (about $30) Airtel money and a trophy whereas Kondwani Mphula from Dwangwa’s Kasasa Golf Club finished third with a 153 gross.
Ali Lazarus emerged the champion in A Division with a gross of 162. He got a golf bag, K10 000 (about $25) Airtel money, a trophy and a tyre repair kit. His runner-up was former Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) president Clement Chilingulo with a gross of 169 while Sope Kayira finished third with a gross of 171.
In B Division, Chilungamo Chimwaza was the champion with a 190 gross. He got K7 000 (about $17.50) Airtel money and a trophy. Francis Mwansa counted out T. Nkavela to finish second.
Moshin Raidain had the longest drive on hole 17. A total 24 two clubs were recorded and each carried a K5 500 (about $13.75) prize.
Airtel Malawi managing director Saulos Chilima said they were impressed with the golfers’ turn up and pledged continued sponsorship to appreciate the support they are getting from their customers.
“We had over 150 golfers. It is quite clear from individual performances that the game is slowly, but surely improving. This is what has been driving us to continue associating with the game.
“I would, therefore, like to thank you all for participating in the competition. We value your participation and do not take this for granted. To us, this symbolises the good working relationship that exists between our company and you our valued customers,” said Chilima.
