South Africa once again proved their superiority in the Zone VI Golf when they carried the honours for the ninth time in 11 years on Thursday at the Lilongwe Golf Club.
Malawi finished fourth, an improvement from last year’s eighth position in Kenya.
Gert Myburgh, Shawn Smith, Muzi Nethunzwi and Ct Du Pless were just too good for other golfers. No wonder all the four are turning professional this year, according to Mayburgh.
South Africa, amassed 22.5 points, ahead of Namibia who had 15, Kenya were third with 13.5 points and Malawi had 13 points.
Du Pless also won the longest drive.
“It was fan being here and carrying the day like we did. We enjoyed it all and now we are looking to other challenges,” said Mayburgh.
Malawi were on course to bag six points and finish on second position after flawless golf from Victor Kachepatsonga and captain Adam Sailesi, but bad play from Gabriel Kambalame and Wilson Kaingwe on holes 13,14 and 15 cost them a better position.
Sailesi blamed the loss on lack of concentration by his players.
“It is painful. We were playing great golf, but lost on three holes to hand Namibia the second position. Some of our players were not serious and easily lost concentration,” said Sailesi.
He, however, expressed hope that there is future for golf in Malawi.
“We just need three new good players to complete the team,” he said.
Day One saw Malawi finish seventh, but they managed to improve on Day Two after finishing third.
Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) president and African Golf Confederation described the tournament a success.
“Golf has been accepted to be part of the Olympic sport and with the talent we have seen here in the three days, I have all the hope that Africa can do well at the Olympics. We just need to invest in more golf equipment and involve them in a lot of competitions, ” said African Golf Confederation president Joe Malanji.
On his part, GUoM president James Chimwaza said: “We witnessed good golf and some of our players were among the best during the tournament. We are on the right track.”
