Mbilizi, Graham shine in Total Golf
The country’s top-ranked female golfer Roza Mbilizi and Archie Graham on Saturday turned on a vintage show to win the Total Malawi Invitational Golf Tournament at Nchalo Sports Club in Chikwawa.
Mbilizi underlined her credentials as the best female golfer on the domestic scene when she registered 34 points, eight ahead of her runner-up Hariete Mariani while Beatrice Mangwana was third with 24 points.
Ironically, Graham who was the winner in the men’s category, also registered 34 points to pip his runner-up James Chimwaza by just a point. Chimwaza counted out Furkan Gani.
Graham received a return air ticket to South Africa while Mbilizi got two nights for two at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed because it is my first time to win on my home course. I had a good first round, but I somehow struggled on the back nine,” said the 24-handicapped Graham whose double strokes on holes seven and eight and then 10 and 11, were key to his victory.
On her part, Mbilizi (10 h/c) who also had the longest drive in the women’s category, said: “The course was playing very well and the fairways are well tamed. I played well on all holes and managed pars, except in the last holes.”
Donbell Mandala had the longest drive in men’s section whereas John Suzi-Banda, Andrew Ngomwa, Carol Banda, Mike Khomani, William Mabulekesi and Anthonie Van Niekerk had two clubs and got K11 000 each.
Total Malawi commercial manager Mc Chancy Mkamanga said the tournament provided them an opportunity to interact with current and potential customers.
“We are proud to sponsor the first golf tournament in Nchalo this year and it was historical because we [Total] featured five golfers which makes better interaction. We were also overwhelmed with the turnout as the tournament was over registered,” he said, adding that they will be hosting another tournament at Kasasa Club in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota in August.
Nchalo Sports Club golf captain John Mphande thanked the field of 70 golfers that took part and the organising committee.
