The Makgadikgadi browns have attracted young and old golfers. Botswana Golf Union president, Modiri Phuthego said although the cancellation of the Phikwe Open from the annual calendar was very disappointing, the golf show must go on.
"We expect to have the Phikwe Open back in 2023 but for now we are focused on turning the Sowa tournament into a success," Phuthego told Mmegi Sport. The seniors' category will have more participants as most junior players face academic commitments. The golfers will face the usual test as the surface is brown grass and not easy to play on.
"The players will be challenged from hitting the ball to putting, but we are looking forward to it," Phuthego said. Leading players, Edwin Madigela and David Masole in the men's division and Minkie Molatlhegi in the woman's section, are some of the top players expected in Sowa. Madigela is the country's top-ranked player and has won the last three consecutive tournaments.
He bagged the Festive Open at the end of last year before winning the Jwaneng Open in February and later the Botswana Amateur Open held in Gaborone. Meanwhile, the tournament organisers intend to utilise some of the sponsorship funds to buy wheelchairs for children with special needs. Social workers reached out to the management of the tournament and their wishes were met.
Sowa Golf Club chairperson, Simon Ramphethu said assisting children with wheelchairs is part of giving back to the community. "As part of the club's social responsibility, we have identified a need for wheelchairs from some of the children in the community, which we intend to meet," he said. Botash, Engen, Mascom, Quipco, KBL, Babcock, and Nashua are some of the tournament's sponsors.
