They all teed-up with a classic chic, dash and a dose of finesse.
Simply, they played each golf hole, marked up the total number of strokes they took with precision – At the end of it all, they grossed their score, and all shots in grand style, totalled it, and their handicap, aptly deducted to calculate the nett score.
Their team, comprising two men and two women, completed the round with the least nett strokes and they won – fair and square.
Golf, they say, is a game that is played on a five-inch course – with the distance between your ears, and believing that all work no play makes Jack and Jill dull, the bank of the nation, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) organised an inter-invitational golf tourney for its services in the country.
Therefore, the men and women of one of Africa’s renowned bank, NBM Plc, assembled in solidarity with extra bravado in a bid to build closely-knit professional relationship and to fight for honour, glory, prestige and supremacy with the National Bank family.
Lo, and behold! It was NBM Chichiri Service Centre team, housed in the most picturesque area of Malawi’s commercial metropolis which is worthy of any postcard, that emerged overall champions of the NBM Invitational Golf Tournament which was played on Saturday at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC).
The team, comprising Paul Lawrence, Maria Thandwe, Nyakhoko Nsona Jnr, and Ulemu Luhanga, scored a total of 92 points to secure the very top spot.
The tournament featured 21 teams representing various NBM service centres across Malawi.
Mulanje Service Centre team came second with 86 points, earning a trophy and a trolley for each player.
The Customs Road Service Centre team secured third place with 83 points and were awarded a trophy and a duffle bag.
Speaking at the event, NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya, congratulated the champions for their well-deserved victory and commended all the teams for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship.
He emphasized that the participants made the event a success, and expressed anticipation for continued excellence in future tournaments.
“The tournament marked the beginning of a closer relationship between NBM plc and the golfing community, and we are encouraged by the turnout and will continue to work with the golfing fraternity. And I would like to congratulate those who have emerged winners.”
“We used the occasion to explain to the customers the new developments in the bank in a relaxing atmosphere. As you are aware, most of the time we meet them in the banking hall or our offices and there isn’t enough time to have a relaxing and deep chat,” explained Jiya.
Paul Lawrence, captain of the winning team, expressed excitement and gratitude to NBM plc for sponsoring the event.
“We started quite badly but all we told ourselves is, let’s just continue, let’s play well. We made sure that every hole we got the best points, either me or my partners,” said Lawrence.
For emerging champions, each player in the Chichiri Service Centre team walked away with a grand prize of a trophy and a golf bag.
During the tournament, NBM plc donated K3 million to Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) for the maintenance of the greens.
The Bank’s CEO also announced that the Invitational Golf Tournament will return next year, promising even more excitement and engagement, aiming to strengthen ties with its customers and the golfing community while continuing to support the sport in Malawi.
“We used the occasion to explain to the customers the new developments in the bank in a relaxing atmosphere.”
Harord Jiya
NBM Chief Executive Officer
