Masalila clinches 2024 Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic title

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Botswana’s Taboka Masalila clinched the 2024 Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic title last Saturday. Masalila emerged victorious with a net score of 78, triumphing over more than 100 competitors all vying for the prestigious title.  For the overjoyed golfer, this win was the culmination of years of perseverance and determination.

“I have always wanted to win the Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic,” Masalila said after she was crowned the champion. “This is my fourth year competing at the tournament. The first time I played it was a disaster. I performed so badly that I told myself I had to come back and earn that card in my second year. Unfortunately, I missed it by just four points.”

Despite the early setbacks, Masalila’s spirits were never dampened. She continued to press forward, improving her performance each year. “I did not make it the second time around, but I still walked away with a prize in the ladies’ division,” she recalled. “Last year was tough, though. I played really badly.”

Determined to change her fortunes this year, Masalila prepared herself mentally and physically. She knew that the competition would be fierce, especially on the first day of the tournament, held at the Ladybrand Golf Club. “This year, I struggled on the first day, shooting just 36. But when I woke up on Saturday morning for the final day at Maseru Golf Club, I told myself to make sure I gave it everything,” she said.

Aware of the high level of competition, Masalila knew she could not leave anything to chance. “I knew I was up against some of the best women golfers, so I had to focus. But winning away from home makes this victory even sweeter,” she added. “If this was at home (in Botswana), people would think I had a home advantage. But this shows that it is about skill, not where you play.”

When asked what made the difference this year, Masalila credited her natural talent. “Honestly, there is no big secret. I believe I won because of natural talent. I used to play softball, and that gave me the hand-eye coordination I need for golf. It is a game where you have to stay calm, put your head down, and focus,” she explained.

Masalila is passionate about golf and wants to break the misconception that it is an expensive, inaccessible sport. “Golf is not just a game; it is therapy for me. People think it is costly, but once you are in, you realise how enjoyable and accessible it is,” she said, encouraging more people to take up the sport.One of her unique strategies is playing mostly with male golfers, which she believes has helped her develop a tougher mind-set.

“I prefer playing with a group of men because they push me harder. They do not go easy on me just because I am a woman. Playing with them toughens you up because men are generally more patient and focused than women on the course,” she laughed.

“Women tend to get impatient, but playing with men has really sharpened my game.”Meanwhile, the men’s division winner and overall runner-up, Aaron Wesi, also had reason to celebrate. The Bloemfontein-based amatuer golfer posted a net score of 77 and was thrilled with his achievement after competing for over three decades. “I have been waiting to win this tournament for more than 30 years,” Wesi said. “I’ve been competing since the 1990s, back when it was called the Lesotho Championship.”

Though Wesi narrowly missed out on the tournament’s overall title and the coveted green jacket, he was satisfied with his performance. “Even though I did not win the green jacket, I am thrilled to be the men’s winner. Maybe next year will be my year,” he said with a smile.Wesi has fond memories of the tournament, having achieved a hole-in-one during the 2019 edition.  “This year, I am celebrating the five-year anniversary of that hole-in-one,” he said.

Last year’s champion, Thabang Khabo, finished in eighth place this year with a net score of 74, while the 2023’s runner-up and women’s winner, Rethabile Liphalana, secured third place with a net score of 77.

Liphalana and Wesi finished with identical scores, but Wesi edged her out based on a countback. A total of 156 golfers from Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi competed in this year’s tournament, showcasing the growing prestige of the Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic.

The 2024 Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic leaderboard