Abueng bags Northern Golf Open title
Koketso Kgoboge | Tuesday November 29, 2016 15:37
Abueng, who had a rather clumsy start on Saturday amassing a shot gross of eight, recovered well on the second day to finish off with a gross of 149 and net 143 beating second placed Peter Bolokang Podise on his backyard.
Podise finished with 150 gross and 146 net followed by Mooketsi Matlolela and David Masole with 153 gross 141 net and 154 gross 152 net on third and fourth positions respectively.
Abueng was elated after winning the championship.
“I am overwhelmed,” he said. “It was serious competition that the rest of these golfers gave me and at my age (51 years) this is a very important win for me.
“I am happy with my recovery after a bad start on the first day. I did not find sleep on Saturday night and to bounce back and set the bar so high is special and I am truly humbled,” he added.
An interesting battle ensued in the C-division where seven men were chasing the only woman in the tournament, Gaone Golowe of Orapa Golf Club who did not budge until she walked away with the crown on 78 points, a massive 14 points ahead of second placed Kopanang Mokonyodi on 64. Edmore Chikohora and Michael Katombe finished third and fourth both tied on 62 points.
Golowe was happy with the win, but she was concerned with the depreciating number of woman golfers. “I am happy I have won but it is disheartening to be the only woman competing here,” she said.
“I would wish I could be competing with other women, not that I mind competing with men, but for the growth of women in this sport. At some point there was a growth of women golfers but now numbers are declining and it’s a worrying situation that needs to be addressed.”
In the B-division, Mogolodi Tobedza won with 159 gross and 141 net, followed by Thuso Sefawe on second position with 162-142, Moses Modidi on third with 164-143 and Lot Moroka fourth with 174-146.
Phenyo Motsumi, Katlego Motsumi, Thuto Semmutle all of Selebi Phikwe Golf Club and Lesego Ngope of Francistown Golf Club all took part in the Junior category where they all walked out with a similar price.
The northern open golf tournament was sponsored by Pioneer Gaborone, Multichoice, Puma Energy, KBL, Naledi Motors Francistown and Senn Foods Francistown.