Over the weekend, Namibian golfer Likius Nande continued his fine form.
He clinched the Ongos Valley Windhoek Open title after 54 holes of thrilling golf at the Windhoek Golf Club.
The tournament attracted a strong field of 84 players, including women, with the Namibia Amateur Golf Union (NAGU) using the event to assess the performance of national team prospects. Competitors came from across the region – Uganda, Zambia and South Africa as well as Namibian golfers from Grootfontein, Walvis Bay, Henties Bay, Mariental, Oshakati, Tsumeb, Omeya and Windhoek.
The Windhoek Open, a NAGU-sanctioned event, saw players compete for merit points.
The A and B divisions played 54 holes over two days (36 and 18), while the C division contested 36 holes (18 per day).
Players in all divisions who preferred not to play the medal format were allowed to compete in the stableford format, which was also used for the ladies’ division.
The newly elected president of NAGU Toady Gurirab congratulated the Windhoek Golf Club management and committees for hosting a well-organised and successful event.
Nande carded an impressive five-under-par (211 total) to secure the championship title, while former footballer Alfred Ndyenge claimed the Best Nett award and Zambia’s Gilbert Chalwe finished as Runner-Up Gross.
Nande acknowledged the high level of competition, saying the tournament drew very talented golfers from across the region, as it formed part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking circuit.
“Preparing for an event of this magnitude requires more mental strength than just swinging. You have to stay focused throughout the tournament because expectations were high, especially with the home-ground advantage,” he said.
He added that he aims to improve his putting, admitting that it is the area where he tends to lose most of his shots.
“We’ve got quality players and many young golfers with great potential, so Namibian golf is moving in the right direction. I see us having professional Namibian golfers on tour very soon,” he stated.
Currently competing internationally within his budget, Nande plans to participate in the Omena Open in two weeks’ time, followed by the Festive Championship in Botswana at the end of November. On the other hand, Ndyenge described winning the Nett award as a truly rewarding experience.
“It’s definitely a great feeling,”. I am not really surprised by the result because I’ve been putting in the work on every aspect of my game to improve for competitive tournaments like this one.”
Reflecting on his unique sporting journey, the former footballer said the transition from a size 4 or 5 match ball to “one of the tiniest balls in sport” has been remarkable. “The eye-to-ball coordination and striking skills remain similar, but I’ve had to develop my own set of techniques for different distances, altitudes, and playing conditions,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Ndyenge said his goal is to keep improving until he reaches a scratch handicap level. “Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to sponsor myself and compete on major tours in Africa or Asia. It’s a daunting task that demands discipline, consistency, and hard work,” he added.