By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The E2 million sponsored FNB Eswatini Challenge started on a high on Thursday at Nkonyeni Lodge and Golf Estate were 120 professional golfers tee-off under the Sunshine Tour.
Leading among the 13 Emaswati taking part in the tournament was Raymond Mathonsi having played two over par at position 59 while Brandon-Jude Rennie was at position 68 after playing three over par.
Leading yesterday (Thursday, August 1, 2024) ahead of day two was South Africa’s Jason Roets, with five under par followed by Portugal player Stephen Ferreira also at five under par.
The tournament started on Monday with the PRO-am where Armature golfers also took it to the field including former Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo and FNB CEO Dennis Mbingo, among others.
The three-day tournament continue today (Friday, August 2, 2024), with the last day being Saturday, where the champions set to take home over E300 000 will be crowned. There will be a cut-off tomorrow at the end of day two were about 60 golfers will be chopped off.
Some of the local golfers who are taking part in the tournament are Oscar Dube, Sanele Myeni, Thulane Mkhaliphi, Teddy Vilakati, Hanco Rudolph, Robert Shiba, Nicholus Vilakati, Jacobus Pienaar and Nhlanhla Mtsetfwa, James Pennington and Mandla Jnr Dlamini.
The country will welcome over 120 professional golfers from all over the world. Some of the golfers will come from countries including England, United States, Greece, Australia, Uganda, Zambia, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Portugal among others.
According to the sunshinetour.com, the majority of golfers will come from neighbouring country, South Africa.
