Nyirongo is Protea Ryalls Hotel golf champion
Former Lilongwe Golf Club captain Dr Neil Nyirongo was the hero at the club over the weekend, when he won the Protea Ryalls Hotel golf tournament played at the country’s premier golf course.
Nyirongo won the tournament after scoring 39 stable ford points in a field of 120 golfers, the biggest turn-up at the 18-hole golf course so far this year.
“Let me start by thanking Protea Ryalls Hotel and all the hotel staff for making our day. I must also pay tribute to my playing partners- Dean Lungu, Tarik Hamdan and Kingsley Chimdima for their being patientwith me. Our group did not have big targets- we were mainly playing for fun and in the course of playing for fun we ended up producing the champion.
“Apart from enjoying the game, I wanted to prove a point that age is not a statement of loss of steam but a calling for respect,” said Nyirongo after getting his prize from Protea Ryalls Hotel.
William Chimpeni was on second position with 39 points while Hussy Hamdan counted out Snehal Thakrar to finish third. Thakrar came fourth.
Justice Ken Manda, who is also Lilongwe Golf Club captain hit the longest drive with William Nuka getting the nearest the pin prize.
Maria Lee Cho won the ladies’ section with 37 stable ford points to her credit. She was trailed by Kyung Hee Jee on 35 points. The ladies’ longest driver was Regina Mwanza and Elizabenth Tench claimed the nearest the pin after a draw.
Speaking during the prize presentation, Manda hailed Protea Hotel for the sponsorship: “We had a field of 120 golfers, which is the biggest field at this club so far this year and this speaks volumes on how golfers value this tournament,” said Manda.
Ryalls Hotel general manager Mischa Lehner thanked the participating golfers for supporting the event.
“Most of you frequent our hotel and we just wanted to give back. We really appreciate your support,” he said.
Lehner also presented a K150,000 cheque to the club for course maintenance.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :