Mhotsha to tee-off at Botswana Ladies Open
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 22, 2025 15:18
Mhotsha will be at the Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club for the Botswana Ladies Open tournament. Invited as a guest of honour, Mhotsha decided to make it extra special by stepping on the tee-box and taking the first shot. She told MmegiSport that it is a privilege to be a special guest at the event, having been a champion of the Open Championship and having progressed through the amateur ranks, competing in the Botswana Golf Union (BGU). As a professional golfer, she now aspires to qualify for to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. “You will see me in the tee-box, but I will not be playing in the tournament; however, I will be doing the opening tee-shot for the tournament,” Mhotsha said.
The defending champion, Loapi Chokwe, said preparing for the tournament was exciting; she had on-course sessions with her coach, mental sessions to ensure she is mentally prepared, and gym sessions with her trainer. “Yes, there is pressure and there will always be, but I am not focused on that. I am going to play and have fun. I have been playing in tournaments at my school, Balderstone Sport Institute in South Africa, and I am excited to be playing at home. My target for this tournament is to enjoy the golf course, have fun, and learn as I play, as every tournament I play is a learning experience,” she said.
Chokwe said there will be good players in the field, including her sister, Maru Chokwe. However, she said golf is not a competition against other players but rather an individual sport in which all players compete against challenges on the course. Malebogo Marumoagae is eyeing to win the championship for the first time in her career, as she has always fallen short, finishing in third place. “I have been preparing for this tournament with the assistance of my coach and caddy. I believe this time I have a chance to win, even though I have been off the course due to an injury. I am ready to fight. I have never won this tournament; I always come in number three,” Marumoagae said.
Meanwhile, BGU vice president-women, Boipelo Lynda Tshireletso, said the Botswana Ladies Open has drawn a full field of 72 golfers, with 22 international players from Eswatini, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. She said the field highlights the tournament’s growing reputation as a regional platform for competitive women’s golf. “The defending champion, Loapi, is one of our brightest young golfers. She will be defending her title, adding extra excitement and anticipation to the event. Preparations for the tournament were not without challenges, especially due to limited sponsorship support. However, through determination and teamwork, the organising committee has managed to put together a quality event that promises to deliver thrilling golf and memorable moments both on and off the course,” Tshireletso said. She said expectations are high with local players eager to prove themselves against their regional counterparts.