Ladies golf tournament a success

Top local golfer Claire Minter won the competition at Chapman Golf Club after she came from behind to dislodge Zambia’s Naik Davenish, who had led over the opening rounds.
Minter, who won the event at Borrowdale Brooke in 2010 before losing out to South African Bonita Bredenhann last year, was back to her usual best.
Bredenhann was not around to defend her title but representatives from Botswana, Zambia and Uganda added spice to the event.
Minter started on a low note but managed to beat East and Central Africa champion Davenish, who is also the Zambia Open champion.
Davenish blamed her shot game but believes Minter gives her torrid time.
“I think Minter is a good player. She did not come to defend her Zambia Open title which she had won in 2010.
“I know if she was there she would have given me the challenge. The four shots she led with are too many and you can see she is too good,” she said.
A good last round that saw the leaders playing in the same last ball gave the players the real test of championship division.
Polly Crewe was not to be outdone in the A division where she finished third. Crewe won the 2010 A division title and has seen Mongi Moyo coming on with the competition.
Team Chapman also continued with their supremacy as they won the team events in most categories.
Kahwema praised her team for the effort and believes the support they got was overwhelming.
“I am very happy that we managed to host the prestigious A and B Triangular Series and the Zimbabwe Open.
“Preparations for the tournaments started a long time ago and that saw us being able to host the tournament.
“The level of competition was very high and we were so proud to have such a big turn-out for the event. We are very grateful to the sponsors. Without them we could not be here. It was not going to be easy if they were not on board,” Kahwema said.
Kahwena also paid tribute to their organising committee while leader of the Botswana Ladies Golf Union, Bekezela Mbakile, vowed to bring a stronger side next year.
“I am happy to have taken part in this event and I am grateful that there was a lot of organisation on the hosts’ side,” Mbakile said.
“The players did well and the level of preparedness spoke for itself, considering the scores. The competition was very tough but I promise we will go and practice to pose a challenge at our own Open and next year’s A and B Challenge Trophy.
“We thank the ZLGU for hosting us and we will emulate their hospitality as they join us for the Botswana Open set for October,” Mbakile said.