After three years, the Villas&Golfe International Cup was once again was held in Maputo, Mozambique, at no. 1100, Rua do Rio Inhamiara. Hitting balls at the Polana Golf Club, approximately 50 players experienced another unforgettable golf event on November 30, 2019. The course, founded in 1955, in what was then Lourenço Marques – which, in former times, was the venue for major events of the colonists and where until recently it was common to see goats grazing, boys playing ball, as well as local people using it as a short cut on their way between their homes and the periphery, crossing the River Inhamiara –, is being renovated and will very soon have a new ‘face’ – cleaner, fenced and with new conditions for lovers of this sport. But none of this could ever stop the holding of the tournament here. Not least because Mozambique is special, and it is special because of its people, its traditions and its culture. So, once again, Villas&Golfe magazine, with the organisation of PM Media Corporate, took its golf circuit to Maputo.
For anyone who lives in the city, this course, which is located just over 1 km from the centre, is a place to escape to, at the weekend, for relaxation, as well as a social experience at golf events, such as the Villas&Golfe International Cup, where the blend of cultures mingles on greens and socialising areas, in the midst of so much lush vegetation. This tournament saw participants playing 15 of the course’s 18 holes (three holes are under maintenance). Maputo is the capital and the largest city of the country and, as is well known, not all African state capitals can afford the luxury to own such a centrally placed golf course, because most of the courses were built in peripheral areas. And Maputo has this privilege: a course located almost in the centre of the capital. And not everyone has that!
On a very hot day, the third stage of the Villas&Golfe International Cup circuit at the Polana Golf Club brought together prestigious brands, friends and partners, including corporate, political and social figures from Mozambique. Play on the course, which lasted about four hours, was followed by lunch and the prize-giving ceremony, which took place at the Polana Serena Hotel. And here are the scores: in the Net event, 1st place went to Luís Trigo Morais (57 points); Dinis Nhaca took 2nd place (63 points); and Jos Evens took 3rd place (63 points). With regard to the Gross event, 1st place went to Jaime Inguane (62 points); 2nd to Samuel Languene (64 points); while Dick Fumo (66 points) won 3rd place. The Nearest to the Pin prize was won by Bertrand Fleury, and the Longest Drive was hit by Éric Quintin.
The event’s organising team is already preparing upcoming tournaments, both in Mozambique and in Portugal. Until then, happy golfing!
