On a day that pioneer junior golf development advocate Dingaan Chirwa resigned as chairperson for the Southern Region Committee, Jerome Sibande emerged the winner in the 18-hole category of the Trojan Junior Golf tournament at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) on Sunday.
Sibande, who had 110 gross, was short of words: “I didn’t prepare for it, but I thank my caddy who has been my good trainer as well, thanks to my parents, the organising committee and, of course, the sponsors.”
Marcus Chalulu, who had 123 gross, was his runner-up. Mubelele Mhango finished third on 131 gross.
In the nine-hole category, Zibelu Sikwese was the winner on 61 gross followed by Nchalo-based Patrick Mtileni on 63 while Kate Chapola, who has just graduated from five-hole category, finished third on 82 gross.
Rayaan Raidhan won the five-hole category with 37 gross and had the luxury of being presented his prize by his mother Neesa Raidhan who was the sponsor’s representative. Mikhail Mukudam could not have a better way to celebrate his ninth birthday than finishing second with 41 gross. Hugo Carnay was third on 53.
In the three-hole category, Graham Mactarish was the winner with 29 gross followed by Brandon Mabulekesi on 37 while Gibrael Lambert finished third. They all got prizes, including those that did not win.
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony, Chirwa thanked those who supported the introduction of junior golf in the past five years.
He said he was stepping aside a happy man to concentrate on his task as assistant national coach.
“It was a dream and it is becoming a reality, we are now seeing far much better swings. I have always had passion for junior golf and I will always be there behind the scenes to render my support,” said Chirwa. He also announced that the new chairperson is Paul Araujo.
Vice-chairperson Andrew Kamkwalala thanked Chirwa for being enthusiastic in heading the project. He also thanked the sponsor of the month Trojan.
And speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Neesa hailed the junior golfers for braving the chilly conditions to take part in the tournament.
“That you were able to wake up about such terrible conditions, just shows how committed and passionate you are towards golf,” she said.
