Ezulwini – Local golfers braved chilly mornings and blustery afternoons over the weekend as the FNB Eswatini Challenge Pre-Qualifier 2025 teed off at the Ezulwini Golf & Country Club, producing 11 standouts who now advance to the prestigious Golf Challenge in August.
The 2-day tournament, held on 5–6 July, saw amateurs and professionals share the greens in a spirited contest that Tournament Director Moses Dlamini described as a resounding success.
Leading the amateurs was Vusi Gama, who scored 36 points to clinch the top spot and walk away with E5,700. Gama, no stranger to tournament wins with titles like the King’s Cup, MTN Monthly Master, and SRIC already under his belt, said playing alongside professionals gave him the boost he needed. “These events help us improve and push harder,” he said.
Professional golfer Brandon Rennie emerged top in his division with a total of 218 strokes, pocketing a generous E20,000 for his efforts. James Pennington finished second on 220 to earn E11,200, while MJ Dlamini rounded out the top three with a score of 224, bagging E8,750.
Amateurs who also made the cut for the August showdown include Sphele Mhlanga, Welcome Mhlanga and Machawe Motsa – each earning E2,533 and the rare opportunity to test their mettle against seasoned pros.
Golfers Association President Musa Mdluli extended his gratitude to FNB for its continued backing of local golf, saying the bank’s support contributed greatly to the smooth execution and success of the tournament.
The main FNB Eswatini Golf Challenge is scheduled for 7–9 August 2025, once again at the Ezulwini Golf & Country Club.
Qualified Professionals for 2025 Challenge:
- Brandon Rennie
- James Pennington
- MJ Dlamini
- Nicolas Vilakati
- Jabulani Mabaso
- Sanele Myeni
- Nathan Koen
- Nhlanhla Mtsetfwa
- Sifiso Vilane
- Jabulani Vilakati
- Robert Shiba
- Albert Zungu
- Raymond Mathonsi
- Chang Sung Nam
- Macgawe Maziya
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