Government ready to invest in golf

Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule has said the government is ready to invest more resources into golf as it has potential to promote the tourism sector.

Kamtukule made the remarks during the prize presentation of the 2023 Africa Region 5 Amateur Golf Challenge which attracted six countries at Lilongwe Golf Club from Thursday to Saturday.

She said by hosting international golf competitions, the sport can also boost the economy of the country.

“We are bringing people to play golf in Malawi but at the same time we are using golf to expose our country. This is how we can merge tourism and golf,” Kamtukule said.

Kamtukule urged the Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) to develop plans to entice companies to invest more resources in the sport.

“For more companies to sponsor the sport, they need to see a win-win situation. Golf has potential to provide a good platform for companies to market their brands,” she said.

On his part, GUoM president Gift Gondwe said hosting the tournament of such a magnitude was an eye opener.

“It was a massive experience and we have seen massive talent. There are several lessons from the tournament. We will make sure that we build the capacity of all stakeholders in golf,” Gondwe said.

At the end of the tournament, Malawi finished on position four as South Africa reigned supreme, followed by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

It was the first time for Malawi to finish on fourth position in this competition.

Malawi Coach Chris Kachiguma said there were a lot of positives from the tournament.

“This is a step in the right direction,’’ Kachiguma said.

On his part, Team Malawi captain Rodrick Forindo said the competition was tough.

Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and eSwatini took part in the tournament.