Strong field for Makgadikgadi Golf Open

Botswana Golf Union (BGU) president, Simon Ramphethu told Mmegi Sport that the tournament, which is sponsored by Botswana Ash to the tune of P50, 000, has a total budget of P77, 000.  He noted that other sponsors like Quipco are covering the balance.Ramphethu said the Makgadikgadi Open has shown growth this year in terms of increased entry and sponsorship. He said that the players would be coming from Jwaneng, Gaborone, Orapa and Selebi-Phikwe.

He stated that they expect tough competition, as every player is eager to dethrone defending champion Sipho Abuweng of Selebi-Phikwe Golf Club.  In 2011, another Selebi-Phikwe player, Oganeditse Marata, won the tournament.Ramphethu said one of the favourites is Leroy Pearmain who recently bagged the Central Open championship that was held in Selebi-Phikwe. Another player expected to excel is Shane Granger, who told Mmegi Sport that he was confident of victory. He explained that in the past he has won the Makgadikgadi Open three years in succession.