Malawi Open beckons Tanzanian golf pros
AS the 2022 Lilongwe Open golf tournament is around the corner, the participation of Tanzanian professional golfers hangs on balanced due to financial constraints.
The golfers are yet to find effective sponsorship to back their trip to Malawi until yesterday.
The annual Lilongwe Open is bankrolled by Seed-Co Malawi Limited and will be staged for three days from November 24th to 27th this year at Lilongwe Golf Course in Malawian capital.
Organised by Malawi Golf Union (MGU), Lilongwe Open involves both the amateur and professional golfers grouped in men, ladies and juniors categories.
Tanzania Professional Golfers Association (TPGA) chairman John Bosco told the ‘Daily News’ over the weekend that they received the invitation as they are still looking for sponsors to back their trip.
He said financial constraints threaten their participation as none of the pros has confirming to travel to Malawi.
“No pros has so far confirmed to participate in the Malawian event. We acknowledge the invitation; it is worth event for our golfers since it will enable them to test their skills against continental top players.
“But the big issue here is lack of sponsorship, players are in good shape and ready to go to Malawi for the event which is an ideal platform for friendship with our neighbours, we urgently need support from sport’s well-wishers,” he added.
Adding, he said Tanzanian pros need support from sponsors to be able to compete outside the country and also to organise domestic tournaments.
He appeals to the companies, institutions and sports well-wishers to assist them so as to develop their skills and use the game to promote the country’s tourism.
According to organisers this year’s Malawi Open will also see junior golfers compete in the 18-hole format while Ladies will also battle in a day-stroke play format as the men’s amateur championship will staged for three days covering 54 holes.
The men’s Division A and B categories are scheduled to be staged for two days covering 36 holes.
According to the organisers, the main showdown for professional golfers will be played for four days covering 72 holes from November 24th to 27th this year.
