Makhecha, Mbilizi conquer Toyota MW Golf
Tarang Makhecha and Roza Mbilizi were in good form on Saturday when they outclassed a 92-strongfield at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) to conquer the Toyota Malawi Invitational Golf Tournament.
Playing off handicap 10, Makhecha emerged champion in the men’s category after posting 40 points to fluff off contention from serious challengers that included runner-up John-Gift Mwakhwawa (39 points), Furkan Gani who came third (38 points) and fourth-placed Charles Merrick (37 points).
Mbilizi, who is the country’s top female golfer with handicap-10, collected 32 points to overcome competition from second-placed Carol Mbalanje-Banda (31points) and third-placed Doreen Kavala (27 points).
Bashir Sherrif emerged as the best senior golfer with 36 points to take home five litres of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil.
However, none of the golfers achieved a rare hole-in-one that could automatically earn them a Toyota Hilux (Urban Warrior Special Edition), which was on display alongside other latest releases Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series) and Toyota 86 (Sports).
All the same, it was a great day for Makhecha and Mbilizi, whose victories earned each of them a Samsung 32-inch HD LED TV sets plus a glittering trophy.
This was Makhecha’s first title in eight competitions this year and the youthful golfer, who rolled in a birdie on the seventh hole and made a total of 13 pars in the 18-hole competition, marveled at the feeling that his luck eminated from the resemblance of his initials TM to that of Toyota Malawi.
“What a great day for TM the golfer and TM the car company!” marvelled Makhecha after receiving his prizes from Toyota Malawi managing director Arvinder Reel.
Mbilizi said she felt great to have won the competition despite not playing to her expectation due to the effects of playing in sweltering conditions.
According to Reel, this was one of the number of golf events they have organised to appreciate support from their customers this year. n
