CDHIB awards Kaira for hole-in-one feat

Golfer Soppie Kaira has become the first recipient of CDH Investment Bank’s (CDHIB) K200 000 prize for achieving the rare hole-in-one in a competition sanctioned by the Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM).

Speaking when presenting a cheque to Kaira at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC)  yesterday, CDHIB marketing manager Noel Chowawa said they introduced the prize in 2014, but no one grabbed the cash until the handicap-12 golfer sank a hole-in-one on the recommended first hole during quarterfinals of the on-going Victoria Hotel Match Play.

“We are proud to have the first winner of the prize in Kaira. It is really a tough feat to hit a hole-in-one anywhere in the world. As an investment bank, we believe in growth and Kaira’s achievement has given us a sign that golf is improving in the country,” said Chowawa, who was accompanied by the bank’s marketing officer Tiwonge Chipezaani.

Nevertheless, Kaira said he was just fortunate to achieve the feat.

“I must admit that I did not plan to achieve this rare feat. I was just lucky that the ball went straight into the hole at a 170-metre distance and I am very happy to have done it this way,” he said.

Currently, Kaira has qualified for the finals of the two-month Victoria Hotel Match Play, which is expected to wind up on May 29.

This was the second time Kaira has earned a hole-in-one accolade in the 21 years he has been playing golf, as his initial achievement emerged 10 years ago.