Nande, Woest Dominate 2024 Gold Cup

Grootfontein Golf Club’s Likius Nande and Omeya Golf Club’s Wilmari Woest were crowned champions of the Kunene Catering Services Gold Cup, held at Windhoek Golf Club last weekend.

The Namibia Amateur Golf Union’s (NAGU) event attracted 71 players, including ladies, from Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Omeya, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek, competing for merit points in Divisions A to C.

The competition saw Division A and B golfers compete over 36 holes on the first day, followed by 18 holes on the second day. Division C golfers played 18 holes on both days. The event offered flexibility and inclusivity, with players able to choose between the Medal and Stableford formats.



Men’s champion

Nande, who secured the overall gross winner title with a 222 score in a two-hole playoff, expressed delight with the victory. “It’s always a good feeling to win national tournaments. I got the win after trailing by five shots heading into the last round, so that made it special,” he remarked.

Having won the Oranjemund Open last month, last weekend’s title adds to Nande’s two other national trophies won in March and August.

“Despite not playing a lot of tournaments this year, as I was in South Africa, I have also won the Central Open held at Windhoek Golf and Country Club in March and the Eastern Open held at Gobabis Golf Club in August. I also played in the Windhoek Open in March, where I was the competition runner-up,” he noted.

Asked about plans for his downtime, Nande said he will continue working on bettering his skills ahead of January competitions. “I take my off-season during winter. For now, there is still work to be done,” he assured.

Close on Nande’s heels were Walter Heibeb (best nett - 217), Henry Mudge IV (runner-up gross - 222), and Jackson Kawaya (runner-up nett - 219).



Women’s champion

Overall ladies’ champion Woest, who won with a 164 score, has had a flawless season - winning all the national titles she participated in this year. She expressed pride in her achievement: “It’s an honour and privilege to be able to end this golf season on a positive note.”

“I won the Central Open in March, the Swakopmund Open in April, the Namibian Open in May, and the Windhoek Open in October. I am looking forward to the Rossmund Open this weekend,” she noted.

Regarding her downtime, Woest said she plans to pack away her clubs to spend quality time with her family during the holiday season.

The overall ladies’ division best nett title was clinched by Lovisa Vilho (153), with Anecia le Grange (runner-up gross - 177) and Evelyn Paulino (runner-up nett - 156) also delivering strong performances.



The competition also saw standout performances across several divisions.

Division A:

Best gross: Elias Mulombwelwa (226)

Best Nett: Wensley Haseb (230)

Runner-Up gross: Elkana Mbango (235)

Runner-Up nett: Brendan Britten (233)



Division B:

Best gross: Paulus Shifonono (254)

Best Nett: Toady Gurirab (224 - count out)

Runner-Up gross: Samuel Nel (257)

Runner-Up nett: Alfie Ndyenge (224)



Division C:

Best gross: Francois van Zyl (167)

Best Nett: Duke Beukes (146)

Runner-Up gross: Burger Bergh (171)

Runner-Up nett: Inocencio Verde (147 - count out)



Stableford:

Winner: Jolene van Schoor (75)

Runner-up: Ester Emvula (68)

Third: Armand de Klerk (67 - count out)

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