22 Sep 2015

Lot Moroka won the Independence Trophy on Sunday after finishing the two-day golf tournament held at Phakalane Golf Course with 138 points.

Moroka, who was playing off handicap 17, produced a brilliant performance to edge runner-up Meempat Shankar by one shot in the 36 holes competition.

He hit 67 points recently to finish day one sitting on position two, then produced another consistent performance around the vast green to edge to victory on day two, finishing as overall winner of the competition.

The Independence Trophy is one of the biggest competitions in the Botswana Golf Union (BGU) calendar and is held annually. 

However, it was hit by lack of sponsorship this year after former sponsor Stanbic Bank stopped their association with the tournament last year. “I am very happy to have become the champion of the Independence Trophy. The competition was tough in a very difficult course.  The wind also made playing complicated, one had to work very hard,” Moroka said.

He also said he had to battle hard to win because there were very good golfers from Botswana and South Africa playing in the tournament. 

“Competition was very tight this is why I edged my runner-up by just one shot. 

I think I adapted well to the windy conditions. 

I also prepared well, I think this is what made the difference,” Moroka said.

Muller Keabetswe finished on third place with 140 points, while Minkie Molatlhegi won the ladies section. About 150 golfers, including two from South Africa, participated in the competition. According to Botswana Golf Union vice-president, south, Mpho Kelosiwang.

The men’s section was divided into three categories, which was the A Division for players with 0-9 handicap, B Division for players with 10-16 handicap, and C Division for players with 17-24 handicap. The women’s category was divided into two categories, which was A Division for players with 0-15 handicap, and B Division for players with 16-30 handicap. Ends