Bonifatius wins Swakop Open in playoff

The Standard Bank Swakop Open golf tournament, contested at Rössmund Golf Club outside Swakopmund, attracted a field of 65 golfers last weekend.



This included 12 ladies and 10 juniors representing all the major clubs in Namibia. Weather conditions were perfect overall, although slightly humid and breezy at times.



The morning round on Saturday did not produce any exciting scores, with Brendan Britten as the leader on 76 gross. Things improved slightly in the afternoon with Edwin Kutara (73 gross) and Hans Naobeb and Stefanus Bonifatius one shot behind.



At the end day one, Stefanus (151) held a one-shot lead over Kutara (152).



In the C division, Marthinus Marais from Walvis Bay had his nose in front shooting an 81 gross.



The women’s division saw Wilmari Woest and Anja Wessels going head to head with scores of 88 gross. The stableford division saw junior golfer Deidre Stafford producing an excellent 42 points, followed by Lester Hess on 38.



On Sunday morning, the stableford and C divisions led out the field in bright and clear weather. The temperatures increased throughout the round. Deidre held onto her lead from round one, shooting 37 points in round two.



Women’s leader Wilmari also kept her foot on the pedal to come in with an 85 gross. In the C division, Marthinus managed to ward off up-and-coming junior Rudi Auseb, shooting 81 and 83 respectively.



The club house was buzzing waiting for the final fourball to arrive and ready to see the winner crowned. Amongst the top players, the scores were much improved. Kevin Wentzel with a 2-under-par 70 and Brendon Britten with a 1 under par 71, Stefanus managed to stay in the mix with a 73 followed closely by Chris Durant on 74.



The result was a tense playoff. So back down to hole 18, Brendon and Stefanus had to go. The clubhouse went into complete silence as everyone watched the players advance to the green. It only needed one extra hole as Brendon hit his tee shot into the penalty area finishing with a par, whilst Stefanus managed to close the deal with a birdie.



The organisers expressed thanks to Standard Bank for their ongoing support of the tournament. Veyama Tjikukutu from Standard Bank officiated at the prize-giving.



The Namibia Golf Union (NAGU) president, Toady Gurirab thanked all those who had worked so hard toward making the tournament a success.



Top results:



Overall best gross, Champion: 1 Stefanus Bonifatius (224, playoff), 2 Brendan Britten (224).



Overall best nett: 1 Dennis Haimbondi (214), 2 Hans Naobeb (215).



A division best gross: 1 Kevin Wentzel (226), 2 Edwin Kutara (232).



A division best nett: 1 Eli Mbango (220), 2 Jackson Kawaya (223).



B division best gross: 1 Alfie Ndyenge (251), 2 Jonas Katti (258).



B division best nett: 1 George Murasiki (222), 2 Helmut Ndjendja (226).



C division best gross: 1 Marthinus Marais (162), 2 Gerhard Byleveld (187, count-out).



C division best nett: 1 Des D’Emiljo (137), 2 Vigo Kotze Jr (148).



Ladies overall best gross, Champion: 1 Wilmari Woest (173), 2 Doulaine Holtzhausen (181).



Ladies overall best nett: 1 Suné Venter (152), 2 Mariena Ludwig 152.



Ladies A division best gross: Anicia le Grange (183).



Ladies A division best nett: Anja Wessels 170.



Ladies B division best gross: Rina Knight (204).



Ladies B division best nett: Tiekie de Wet (158).



Stableford division winner: 1 Deidre Stafford (79 points), 2 Lester Hess (75), 3 Steven Johns (74).