Golf officials learn from Kenya’s Safari Tour
A group of Malawian golf officials is in Kenya to learn from their counterparts on organisation of professional tournaments, junior golf development and course management.
The eight-member delegation, which is being led by Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) president Hudson Kantwanje, also includes his Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Malawi counterpart Patridge Shycal and Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson James Chuma.
Kantwanje yesterday described the visit as a wonderful experience, saying: “We have learnt a lot on how our Kenyan counterparts are developing golf. Issues discussed included junior golf development, professional golf and course management.
“It was a perfect opportunity for us to meet with our Kenyan colleagues and exchange ideas and experiences on how Kenya has been able to move forward to the level of having such big events like the Kenya Open, Karen Masters and even starting the Safari Tour,’’ said the Malawi golf boss.
And during a meeting between the Malawian delegation and the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairperson Lucas Maranga at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Shycal—who is also the secretary general of Africa Professional Golfers Association (PGA)— was quoted by www.nation.co.ke as having said that Malawi is committed to developing professional golf by sending its players to participate in various events in the continent.
“We know the Kenya Open is now a European Tour event and it may not be easy for a Malawian pro to be invited to play. We are, however, keen to collaborate with the organisers of Safari Tour to see if we can work together for the benefit of both our pros and Kenyan pros,” Shycal was quoted as having said.
On his part, Maranga advised PGA Malawi to work closely with their Kenyan counterparts to see whether Malawian pros can participate in the Safari Tour or the Kenya Open.
He also said his committee is willing to share ideas on things like course management and ratings and other golf development programmes.
