Jiya presents a prize to Ntaba

Rajiv Rawat and Deborah Ntaba on 19th August won the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Golf tournament in men’s and women’s categories respectively at Mulanje Golf Club.

Played on stable ford format, the over-subscribed tournament attracted a field of over 70 golfers who came as far as Lilongwe.

Playing 14 handicap (h/c) Rawat registered 40 points. iIncredibly, the other three came after the Thyolo based golfer tied on 39 points

Gatej Nain (11h/c) to third position after counting out Chapusa Phiri (20 h/c) to third position. Phiri in turn counted out Gabriel Kambale (3h/c) who had the longest drive in men’s category.

Rawart who received a golf trolley, golf bag and trophy attributed his success to his playing partners.

“I played alongside good golfers like Gabriel and Gartej Nain and they were a source of inspiration. I won it on the last two holes where I had pars.” He said

Runner up Nain got a return air ticket to Johannesburg, South Africa.

In Ladies Category, Ntaba (34h/c) whose husband Jolly Junior is also a Golfer, had 43 points and her runner up was Diana Kambale.

“I am excited because it is my first time to win. I thank National Bank for hosting such a wonderful tournament and my husband for encouragement. There was nothing special really. It was all down to being focused. I was jittery at first, but after the first shot, I relaxed.’’ Said Ntaba

Jim Melrose won the Mulanje Golfers category. Harriet Marian had the longest drive in ladies section while Steve Chanje was nearest to the pin in men’s category.

NBM General Manager and head of Corporate Banking Division, Harlod Jiya said they were overwhelmed with the turnout.

“It was very successful tournament. We come here to interact with our customers and update them about our new products and today it was specifically about the new products. The other reason is that unlike other golf clubs, Mulanje does not have membership and is mainly supported by tea estates that are also our loyal customers and was a token of appreciation.”

The bank also donated K250,000 for the maintenance of the greens. The member of the Clubs golf committee Ajay Singh thanked NBM for the continued sponsorship.