By FELIX MALUNGA At Nkana Golf Club –
BUDDING golfer, Denmark Mulambo yesterday stole the limelight as Zambia made a nervy start in the inaugural Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) President’s Cup in Kitwe where pre-tournament favourites Zimbabwe took a five-stroke first round lead.
Mulambo fired a sizzling two-under-par 71, taking an overnight lead and set the pace for other competitors this week.
The Kabwe golfer was a shot ahead of archrivals from Zimbabwe, Visitor Mapwanya and Tonderai Masunga who carded one-under each on the opening day of the 72-hole strokeplay event.
“It was fair (round) but it had a few bad shots. I just kept positive. I missed a few fairways but I remained focused. For now I will pray and practise that tomorrow (today) becomes much better. I’m here to enjoy my game and play below par,” Mulambo said after completing his 18-hole round.
Namibian McPaul Ndeilenga played all square 73, completing the top four in individual results.
While Mulambo was blazing on the picturesque Nkana golf course, other Zambians found the going tough with Aaron Simfukwe jnr being the second-best placed local player after finishing three-over-par 76.
“It’s been a hard day for me. My putting didn’t work today. I was just unlucky. On hole number 17, my second shot sat on a tree. I will try to come back stronger tomorrow,” Simfukwe said.
Other Zambians Timothy Sondashi and Peter Munyinya could only manage five-over-par 78 on the opening day.
Despite a nervous start, Zambia coach, Patrick Mwendapole said he was happy with the scores but hoped for an improved showing in today’s second round.
Mwendapole, however, believes Zimbabwe’s lead is not surmountable, saying the five shots was not a big margin.
In the team events where the three best scores counted, Zimbabwe coached by veteran Roger Baylis posted one-over-par 220 to take an overnight lead.
Zambia was trailing in second place on six-over-par 225, two strokes better than Kenya and another four ahead of fourth-placed Malawi.
Tanzania ended their first day run in fifth place after grossing 17-over-par 236, 10 shots from Uganda and Namibia who tied for six while Nigerians were tail-enders with a woeful 37-over-par 256.
The 2014 AGC President’s Cup champion will be crowned on Friday after the final round.