Strong golf field heads to Orapa

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday May 11, 2018 14:17

The two-day tournament has attracted golfers from neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Zambia. Orapa Golf Club chairperson, Godfrey Gorogolo said 18 holes would be played each day.

“We have 20 professional golfers taking part. Nine of them are from Namibia, seven locals, five from Zimbabwe and one Zambian,” he said. The tournament has other categories such as the men’s Championship Division (handicap 0-7). It is meant for top local amateur players. There is also the men’s A Division (handicap 8-16), B Division (handicap 16-24). The handicap for the women’s championship starts from 0-16, A Division (handicap 17-36).

Gorogolo said they expect Orapa-based, Walter Seokemong to give the professionals a run for their money. He said the player should be able to use his knowledge of the course to win the category.

“But he will be facing stiff competition from other Pros such as Mpho Kelosiwang from Gaborone and the visiting golfers. Shane Granger Junior who currently resides in South Africa is also expected to cause an upset,” Gorogolo said. The only women’s pro expected at the tournament, Trazinah Marudu has since withdrawn.

Other women who are expected to battle it  out are Malebogo Morebodi, Minkie Molatlhegi and Taboka Masalila and Mosa Magowe.

Meanwhile, Gorogolo said registrations were sent to clubs through their captains.

“We sent invitations to captains so that they inform their clubs. The players then did online registrations. We cannot have golfers claiming that they were not invited. However, we had to trim the number of players because the response was massive. Our course has only nine holes,” he said.

Gorogolo said they are working on removing the perception that golf is a sport for the elite. He said they have opened the hole-in-one to give spectators the chance to watch the game.

Gorogolo said there is P100, 000 insured for the hole-in-one, P50, 000 is reserved for men and the same for women.

“The 50% of the winnings are allocated to a charity of one’s choice, 50% goes to the winning players,” Gorogolo said.

The main sponsor of Diamond challenge 2018 is Debswana Mining Company.

Other sponsors include AON Botswana, Botswana Life, Sesiro Insurance Company, Barclays Bank, Barloworld Motor amongst others. On the sidelines of the tournament, the Botswana Golf Union (BGU) executive committee is scheduled to meet. BGU president, Enoch Mushango said there are some resolutions that are going to be discussed at the meeting.

When asked if the differences between BGU and Gaborone Golf Club regarding the P100million golf course development would be on the agenda, Mushango said there is no need for the issue to be discussed.

“There is nothing to discuss about that project because everything has been finalised. The project has passed all stages,” he said.