Press release – Zambia Sugar Plc commits to develop golf in Zambia

Lusaka, Tuesday, 10^th June 2014

The Zambia Sugar Open 2014 golf tournament came to an end on Sunday, 8^th June with the title sponsor, Zambia Sugar Plc committing further to contribute to the development of golf in Zambia, with more focus on junior golf.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony at Lusaka Golf Club, Zambia Sugar Managing Director, Dr. Aubrey Chibumba reinforced Zambia Sugar’s commitment towards the development of golf in Zambia and announced the company’s plans to advance golf among the Zambian women and youth populace. He said that, Zambia Sugar will work with various associations, including the Zambia Golf Union, the Zambia Ladies Golf Union and the Lusaka Golf Club, to develop golf in Zambia.

He remarked: “I am pleased to inform you that plans are currently underway to introduce initiatives that will advance junior golf development among the Zambian youth populace. With the support of the country’s golf associations, we will embark on a drive that will identify talent, groom it and create more opportunities for our men and ladies in golf.”

He further added that, Zambia Sugar anticipates that its sponsorship of this international tournament will go a long way in promoting sport tourism and this is part of Zambia Sugar’s contribution to Zambia’s socio-economic growth.

South African golfer, Lyle Rowe, 26 emerged champion, winning his maiden Sunshine Tour title with a combined score of 279 over four days.

He commented: “It’s nice to get a win under the belt. Obviously you wonder when it’s going to come. So to get it done and to get it done on a nice course like this is awesome. It was difficult out there with the wind. That made it tricky out there. Coming from the rough meant you were unable to hold the ball on the green. I just had to keep it in play and then take it from there.”

Having turned pro in 2009 and been close to winning on a few occasions, Rowe understandably was overjoyed with this sweet victory.

History was made as the Zambia Sugar Open 2014 had four Zambians making the cut into the final. Madalitso Muthiya emerged the best finishing Zambian professional player with a combined score of 297 for the four days, followed by Dayne Moore with a total score of 301, Patrick Mwendapole with a total score of 303 and 19-year old Timothy Sondashi, who scored a joint 304 closely behind. Timothy was also recognised for being the best amateur.

Diana Mutakafimbo from the Zambia Daily Mail received a golf bag for generating the best media coverage during the tenure of the tournament.

Republican Vice President, Dr. Guy Scott was the guest of honour, accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Housing, Honourable Emmanuel Chenda. Various dignitaries from the golf fraternity included the President of the African Golf Confederation, Ambassador Joe Malanji, President of the Zambia Golf Union, Mr. Charles Mwanza and the Chairman of the Board of Zambia Sugar Plc, Mr. Fidelis Banda.

Zambia Sugar Plc