The 2024 Nedbank for Good Series completed a successful tour of Tsumeb and Oshakati in the past fortnight, and focus will now shift to the southern region in July and August.
The first pit-stop for the series was at Tsumeb Golf Club, where 46 golfers took to the tee on 8 June.
In the men’s division, Tsumeb’s defending champion Videlis Hanganda emerged victorious with 37 points, ahead of Pieter Harmse, who registered 35 points (counted in), and John Tsauseb, who scored 35 points (counted out).
In the women’s division, Magnaem Simon emerged victorious with 36 points, ahead of Celonika Robinson, who managed 27 points.
Simon, who started playing golf a short while ago, said she enjoyed the experience as she got the chance to rub shoulders with national team players on the day. “It was an unforgettable experience for me. The weather was windy and cold; it opened my eyes to what golfers go through in such conditions, as you need to be mentally prepared. As someone who recently started playing golf, I encourage more women to come to the course. Golf is a sport that can help one find a balance between their careers and family obligations. It helps me to switch off and enjoy myself,” she said.
On 22 June at Oshakati, last year’s winners Antonius Amugongo and Eveline Shilongo once again showed their class, and retained their men’s and women’s titles, respectively.
In the men’s section, Amugongo claimed victory with 42 points, ahead of Brian Chaka, who had 40 points counted in, taking second place, and Edwin Kutara, who had 40 points counted out, settling for third place.
In the women’s division, Shilongo scored 27 points, ahead of second-placed Helena Amunyela and Hilya Ininga, in third place. Amugongo paid tribute to the organisers of the event, saying it was well organised and he enjoyed playing against tough opponents who raised the bar.
“The weather was perfect for golf, and I aim to come back next year and defend my title. I also want to win the final of the series later this year,” he said.
A total of 19 golfers participated at the event held at the Oshakati Golf Club.
The organiser of the series, Dan Zwiebel, paid tribute to both the Tsumeb and Oshakati Golf Clubs, saying they had once again delivered a fantastic tour.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s series. The turnout for both events was excellent. Thank you to all the sponsors for walking this journey with us,” he said.
Speaking about the event, Nedbank northern regional manager Eugene Cupido noted the growth in interest for the sport in the region.
“We believe this initiative will leave a legacy for the communities. Over the years, we have seen a growth in interest for golf in the regions. Notably we have also seen an increase in women participating in the golf series. As money experts who use our expertise to do good, we are extremely grateful that we were able to use the platform for the betterment our communities,” he said. Next stop for the Nedbank for Good Series is the Mariental Golf Club on 13 July, and Oranjemund Golf Club on 3 August.
From there, the series will go to Henties Bay on 17 August, Rossmund on 24 August, Walvis Bay on 31 August and Windhoek Golf and Country Club on 14 September. Omeya will host the series’ final on 4 October 2024.
The Nedbank for Good Series is co-sponsored by Pupkewitz Toyota, Vivo Energy Namibia, Agra, AfricaOnline, JTC, APS, Erongo Marine Enterprises, The Logistics Company Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia, CB Enterprises, Pupkewitz Megabuild, and official media partner Future Media.