Malawi golfers bank on home advantage at Region 5 tourney
The competition is scheduled for Lilongwe Golf Club and runs from May 16 to 20. The golfers are from Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, eSwatini, Zimbabwe and Angola with each country being represented by a team of four golfers. Team Malawi comprises youngster Folindo Rodrick, Peter Lumbe, Victor Khamalatha and Chrispin Kadzera.
Amateur golfers from seven southern African countries will jet into the country this month for the 2023 Region 5 Amateur Golf Championship.
The competition is scheduled for Lilongwe Golf Club and runs from May 16 to 20.
The golfers are from Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, eSwatini, Zimbabwe and Angola with each country being represented by a team of four golfers.
This is the biggest amateur golf tournament competed among the Region 5 member countries.
Team Malawi comprises youngster Folindo Rodrick (one handicap), Peter Lumbe (one handicap), Victor Khamalatha (five handcaps) and Chrispin Kadzera (five handcaps).
Rodrick will go into the contest in high spirits after being crowned Malawi Open champion, beating off a field of over 200 golfers recently.
Renowned golf coach Christ Kachiguma will guide the team with support from team manager Khumbo Mkandawire.
Kachiguma said his charges are ready to utilise home advantage.
“We struggled last year but we are prepared for the tournament at home. This is our chance to prove that we have good golfers in the country,” Kachiguma said.
Malawi finished last during the 2022 edition held in Angola.
Newly elected Golf Union of Malawi president Gift Gondwe said logistical arrangements for the competition are at an advanced stage.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that everything is in order ahead for the tournament. It is an honour for Malawi to host this big event,” Gondwe said.
The Region 5 Amateur Golf Championship is an annual event.
However, it did not take place in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.
South Africa won the 2022 edition with Zimbabwe finishing second
