2024 FNB ESWATINI CHALLENGE: SA GOLFER E317K RICHER, EMASWATI MISS CUT

NKONYENI – South Africa’s professional golfer Daniel Van Tonder clinched the 2024 FNB Eswatini Challenge, pocketing E317 000 prize money at Nkonyeni Golf Estate yesterday.

Van Tonder, who had taken an early lead on Friday and maintained his strong position throughout the tournament, was presented with the coveted FNB Eswatini Challenge trophy and a cheque for E317 000 by Dennis Mbingo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FNB, after posting an exceptional 14-under-par score. The award ceremony was a fitting conclusion to Van Tonder’s dominant performance, which showcased his impeccable golfing skills and reaffirmed his reputation as one of the top players on the Sunshine Tour. The competition is sponsored with a purse of E2 million by FNB Eswatini and it is played under the Sunshine Tour banner. Van Tonder dominated to outshine his closest rival, Yurav Premlall, who finished at 12-under-par.

Van Tonder’s victory was marked by his unwavering consistency, as he successfully secured numerous birdies and eagles throughout the tournament, showcasing his exquisite control over the challenging Nkonyeni Golf Course. His win at the FNB Eswatini Challenge marked a significant achievement for the South African professional golfer. Following his victory, he conveyed his happiness and satisfaction at securing the title against a highly, competitive field. “The Nkonyeni Golf Estate Course was fantastic. I knew that if I remained level-headed and played to my strengths, I could come out on top. I kept calm and focused, and everything just seemed to fall into place. Winning the FNB Eswatini Challenge felt like a real accomplishment, and I’m so pleased that my skills and strategy paid off in the end,” he said.

Appreciation

In the wake of his win, Van Tonder extended his gratitude to the various organisations and entities that contributed to the tournament’s success, including the title sponsor FNB, the Sunshine Tour and the Nkonyeni Golf Estate, among other partners and sponsors. He stated: “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have made this tournament possible. Their support and dedication to the sport of golf is invaluable, and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious event,” he revealed. Following Van Tonder’s victory at the FNB Eswatini Challenge, Mbingo lauded the winner for his exceptional performance throughout the two-day tournament. The CEO commended Van Tonder’s flawless technique, strategic thinking and unwavering determination, describing his performance as a masterful display of golfing excellence.

“His display of golfing prowess over the two days was nothing short of remarkable, and I am honoured to have witnessed such a world-class performance. It was a privilege to host him and the other talented golfers at our event, and we look forward to continuing to support the sport of golf in the future,” he said. In addition to congratulating the winner, Mbingo took a moment to express his gratitude to the sponsors who had made the tournament possible.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors who have supported the FNB Eswatini Challenge. Without their generosity and commitment to the sport of golf, this event would not have been possible. We are deeply appreciative of their contributions and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future,” Mbingo shared. The international field had players from South Africa, Zambia, South Korea, United Kingdom, Sweden and the United States of America, among other countries. Meanwhile, Eswatini golfers in James Pennington, Raymond Mathonsi and Thulani Mkhaliphi missed the cut.
(More reports in next edition)

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