Seasoned golfers Peter Matiru and Irene Mphatso braved the scorching sun to win the Kingfisher Insurance Brokers and Consultants invitational tournament at Nchalo Sports Club in Chikwawa on Saturday.
In the men’s section, Matiru, playing off handicap 18, collected 39 points to beat a field of 51 players to emerge winner whereas Chifundo Lingao finished on second position while William Mabulekesi, who was counted out, ended on the third position.
The men’s champion, who made a return on the Nchalo greens after three years, attributed his success to calmness and focus.
“My fellow golfers were friendly, supportive and accommodating. No wonder they created a good environment for me to win. I thank them for allowing me to win this tournament upon my return to Nchalo greens,” Matiru said.
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In the women’s section, Mphatso collected 36 points to win the accolade after dethroning last year’s champion Sera Piringu, who settled for second position.
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The ladies’ category winner was excited to have won the Kingfisher title for the first time.
“I enjoyed my game. I had fantastic playing partners. It has been a wonderful day for me here in Nchalo as the course was playing very well. I really enjoyed my round of golf and I am happy to have won my first Kingfisher Golf title,” Mphatso said.
In the Nchalo closed section, Boniface Tivalenji emerged winner with 35 points while Vizenge Kumwenda collected the best senior golfer section with 30 points.
In individual awards, Kumwenda also won the nearest to the pin on hole 18 whereas Bregger Kaingwe hit the longest drive.
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In the ladies’ section, Ulemu Luhanga won the longest drive.
Kingfisher Managing Director Henry Sisya said they are excited to have been sponsoring the annual championship since 2008.
“We bankroll this championship annually as one way of thanking our customers such as Illovo Sugar [Malawi]. It is also important to maintain the relationship with our clients, who help to make our services better through interaction,” Sisya said.
Kingfisher presented K500,000 for the greens maintenance.
Nchalo Club Golf Section Captain John Mphande thanked Kingfisher for its continued sponsorship.
“Kingfisher golf championship is one of the majors on our calendar. It is because of this that we had good patronage despite another big competition taking place in Blantyre,” he said.
