Failure to host this years beleaguered Zambia Open Championship would have been a sporting low point, Zambia Golf Union boss Joe Malanji has said.
Malanji was delighted on Wednesday after Sunshine Tour director Gary Todd gave the Zambia Open, to be hosted by Ndola Golf Club next month, the thumbs-up.
The Zambia Open had already been postponed twice this year so far after Chainama and Lusaka Golf Club’s both withdrew as hosts due to the economic downturn.
Malanji said should Ndola have failed to host the Zambia Open, it would have been a national tragedy, clearly in reference and the wake of Zambia’s failed bid to host the 2011 All-African Games.
“When you go out there, it was not going to be a case of which club failed to host the event,” Malanji said.
Meanwhile, Todd has given the Ndola course a pass for the Championship adding that it was in perfect condition despite the challenges the club faced of maintaining it in the dry season.
Todd said a field of 144 golfers were expected to take part in this years Zambia Open.
This will be the second time this decade that the Zambia Open will be held at Ndola after previously hosting the Championship in 2007.
Ndola will host this years Zambia Open to the tune of US$220,000.00.
The Zambia Open is one of six Sunshine Tour events outside South Africa.
Swaziland hosts four Sunshine Tour tournaments while the other is the Namibia PGA Championship.
Thumbs-up ba Malanji. mwabombeni mukwai.
good prize money there
elite sports the muzungu will take the loot back home .spend it better by encouraging youth football.how can malanji compare all africa games with open.he insults our intelligence.