Robinson, Coertzen shine alongside Mudge at golf champs

Golf
Mariud Ngula
Henry Mudge was crowned the Windhoek Golf Club champion last weekend at the championships sponsored by Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC).

The event, which attracted 64 golfers, an increase from last year’s 56, saw players battle for top honours over eighteen holes.

Speaking about his achievement, Mudge expressed delight in having etched his name in the annals of Windhoek Golf Club’s history. “It’s a huge honour to clinch a trophy with so much history behind it,” he remarked.

Most excited about

The victory proved a crucial confidence booster for Mudge’s future tournaments. “This victory means a lot to me. It’s a nice feeling knowing that all the hours and hard work are finally starting to pay off,” he said.

Reflecting on the competition moments that proved decisive in securing his victory, he underscored Sunday’s back nine. “Tension started building as it was a very close match with my competitors, but I held on and finished strong to seal the deal,” he recalled.

Regarding upcoming competitions, Mudge is most excited about the Sunshine Tour Q-School event in April at South Africa’s Heron Banks Golf Course.

Ladies champion

Celonika Robinson, who looks forward to the competition each year, claimed this year’s ladies’ championship title. “It’s a great honour to be part of Windhoek Golf Club’s event each year,” she said.

Robinson admitted that this year, the event’s level of competition was unlike any other in the past. “The opponents were really good. Every hole was important and every shot counted. So to go ahead and win the overall title is an absolute highlight for me!” she remarked.

She pointed out hole 14 as the round that decided her victory. “With a ball full of mud and playing from the bunker, I fought [tooth and nail] for the win and ultimately secured it,” she recalled.

Despite discovering her passion for the sport later in life, Robison embraces golf wholeheartedly. “I really love the game. I get to meet new people, make friends and build relationships, all while exercising. It’s so exciting to see so many ladies taking up the sport,” she said.

Junior champion

Bian Coertzen, who emerged as the junior champion, described the experience as both rewarding and motivating.

“As a junior golfer, I am confident there’s still so much I can offer than what I displayed this past weekend, but winning my division was definitely a highlight. It’s rewarding to witness the countless hours and sessions I put in leading up to the tournament paying off,” he said.

Coertzen’s definite turning point in the competition was when he hit a monstrous drive on Sunday, which led to him making a birdie.

“On Saturday, I came close to a hole-in-one. But the most special moment was when my father [Dirk Coertzen] surprised me by playing alongside me for my 18th birthday. I thank him for believing in and supporting me throughout this year, and my coach, Joe Nawanga, for helping me achieve this victory,” he remarked.

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