Let’s Play Golf! By Grace Kubikisha
S
eptember 15th, 2016 was a blustery day
accompanied by a jealous and gusty wind. Flag poles raised and saluted by company banners whose vehement movements left its owners high strung at the thought of having to re-mount each banner. The morning wind was relentless, forcing clamorous conversations at the AmCham Zambia 3rd Annual Golf Tournament registration table and subsequent to this, lulled gossip. 9a.m. all teams registered, goodie bags given-a gift from the AmCham Zambia Secretariat and sponsors. Players roaming the area in branded caps, collar t-shirts and shoes hosting eager feet in it for the win. Branded golf bags used to convey woods, irons and putters hoisted by caddies lending their assistance at each of the 18 holes and making good company on the fairway. A dimpled ball placed comfortably on a tee; club raised, knees bent. Steady. Focus. Stillness then silence, wind still wroth. Focus again. Legs apart, and then apart again, firm grip, know the club. Thoughts: keep the ball on the fairway. "Thwack"! The first well struck shot whose followthrough completes in the hopes of a hole in one. This is golf reified. After all games were played and scores tallied, teams gathered for a networking cocktail under the marquee and nibbled on finger food. Parched throats were quenched by imbibing cold beverages. Introductions were made, business cards and ideas exchanged over brief but merry interaction. Synergy.
Mr Jason Kazilimani, AmCham president, delivered a short speech in which he thanked everyone for coming and participating. Brief remarks were given by the U.S. Ambassador Eric Schultz and thereafter the awards ceremony followed. 5th place was nabbed by the Gaulf Engineering team. The HLB team placed 4th followed by the Torres Security team in 3rd place. Total Zambia and Digiprint wrestled for first place but in the end the 2nd place was awarded to Total Zambia, leaving 1st place to the tournament's winning team Digiprint. The AmCham Zambia 3rd Annual Golf Tournament was a huge success thanks to the overwhelming generosity from sponsors such as KPMG, Radisson Blu, Standard Chartered Bank, Intercontinental Hotel, Taj Pamodzi Hotel, The Devere Group, Digiprint, EY, HLB, Torres Security, SAB Miller and Total. Exuberant involvement from the participating golf teams such as AON, Gaulf Engineering, Metropolitan, Better Now Finance, NAC2000, Tyre King, Best Western Hotel, Superior Milling and Wellout Golf enriched the tournament experience. AmCham Zambia awaits with much anticipation for next year's tournament: who will reign supreme and will the reigning champions, Digiprint, prevail? Who will rise with a redemptive strike and will there be a new golf tournament winner? Something to look forward to in next year's AmCham Zambia 4th Annual Golf Tournament.