By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA  –
BARCLAYS Bank Zambia yesterday splashed K74,000 towards hosting of next week’s Zambia Sugar Open golf tournament set for Lusaka Golf Club.
With Barclays coming on board, the Zambia Sugar Open organising committee has met its K3 million budget to successfully host the premium golf event, which is part of the Sunshine Tour and whose winner gains automatic entry into the prestigious British Open.
Barclays Bank Zambia head-marketing and corporate relations Mato Shimabale said his company had a chain of golf sponsorship across the world and joining the Zambia Sugar Open was inevitable.
Shimabale said during the presentation ceremony at the Lusaka Golf Club yesterday that it was exciting for the bank to be part of this tournament and was sure it would be a success.
Zambia Sugar Open Organising Committee chairman Roy Penney was excited at the donation and said part of the money will go towards the supporting of junior golf at the Lusaka Golf Club.
“We have met our budget and it makes us happy to have such a sponsor. Apart from the junior golf programme that we have, the money will be used in upgrading the Club House to World Class standards.
Lusaka Golf Club captain Nsama Mataka said the golf course was in perfect pitch condition including the greens on the 12th hole which was recently extended on recommendation from the Sunshine Tour.
Meanwhile, Wallie Coetsee, winner of the 2014 Mopani Zambia Open tournament, has confirmed his participation in the Zambia Sugar Open.