Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda in Victoria Falls
AFRICAN Sun will give a facelift to the Elephant Hills Golf Course to meet international standards.
African Sun managing director Edwin Shangwa announced at the Elephant Hills Open Golf tournament closing ceremony on Sunday that after the upgrade, the golf course will compete with the best in world.
Shangwa is also chairman of the Elephant Hills Golf Club.
“We will ensure that when you come next time there will be changes to the course. When you come next time, this course will be different, it will be rated among the best courses in Africa, if not in the world, and I am working towards that,” Shangwa said.
Designed by legendary South African golfer Gary Player and built in 1972, the Elephant Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course, which means it can host international competitions.
It is also home to wildlife as golfers come across warthogs, impalas, crocodiles and even elephants on the fairway.
Covid-19 restrictions had resulted in less activity at the Elephant Hills Golf Course.
Josphat Phiri, a former African Sun employee, walked away with the top prize at the Elephant Hills Open Golf tournament after playing the least number of shots.
It was the seventh time that Phiri, a member of the Elephant Hills Golf Club since 1992, had won the tournament.
The 58-year-old made a gross score of 166 and won by just one shot ahead of Leon Mushonga, who was on 167.
Elvis Mulenga, who led the pack on the first day, settled for fourth place with a gross score of 169. Mulenga, however, got the best overall net score of 145.
Aulia Alfazema from the Royal Harare Golf Club, won the overall women’s prize and walked away with a total of 11 prizes at the awards ceremony.
Alfazema had actually travelled from Harare to Victoria Falls to celebrate her birthday, but as an avid golfer, she carried her golf bag and put it to great use over the two days.
Theresa Mkandla was the runner up in the women’s section.
A total of 92 amateur golfers from Botswana, Bulawayo, Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambia took part in the tournament sponsored by African Sun, FBC Bank and Ingwebu Breweries. — @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter