Perreira, Karuku on song in Britam Golf
Jarson Perreira and Connie Muguvu-Karuku were in classes of their own on Saturday as they shot for glory in the respective men and ladies’ categories of Britam Golf Tournament at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC).
Perreira gorged on an eagle, four birdies and eight pars to fluff off contention from the 80-strongfield and end his 13-year golf title drought. After counting out Steve Chisale to the runner-up slot with 40 stableford points, the handicap-7 golfer could not contain himself as he shed tears of joy; realising his mantelpiece will be decorated once again.
Perreira (R) and Muguvu
“I am just rediscovering my form after some 13 lean years and surprisingly it has been a fantastic day for me,” he said. “It was one of those days you get an unexpected reward because I did not practise a lot. It feels great to be a champion again after so many years.”
Muguvu-Karuku was also in an incredible form as she earned a total of four birdies and six pars to take the ladies’ section crown with 39 stableford points, four shots ahead of her runner-up Lillian Kawaza, who counted out Cathy Matura to the third slot.
The only most noticeable difference between handicap-18 Muguvu-Karuku and Perriera was that the ladies’ champion is now used to winning trophies on a weekly basis.
“The course was dry and the greens were playing fast. So I adjusted my game to suit the playing surface and it worked. Now, I am used to winning trophies almost every week and I do not know how to celebrate this one,” said the golfer, who shot 24 on the front nine and 15 on the back.
Handicap-24 golfer Manfred Sibande triumphed in the brokers section with 32 points as Henry Siska took the second place with 21 points. Gilson Chiwaula and James Shonga got the longest drive and nearest to the pin accolades respectively in the men’s category as Matura and Beatrice Mangwana did it in the ladies’ section.
Britam chief executive officer Grant Mwenechanya said the insurance company organise the annual event to interact with existing and prospective clients “because that is the only way we can get feedback on our service for further improvement in this era when the insurance environment is changing to digital.”. n
