Namibian golfers impress in Spain

Quality performances by local players
Amateur Namibian golfers took centre stage at the Windhoek Lager International Pairs World Finals, which concluded at the La Cala Golf Hotel Spa in Mijas on Spain's Costa del Soi.
  • 2 Years Ago 22 November 2022
Golfers Johannes Damon and Hylton Villet won the men’s final at the International Pairs Global competition, also billed as the 'world’s largest golf tournament', after defeating Kenyan pair Kush Shah and Chand Shah by a single point in the championship played on the better-ball stable-ford format.

The 2022 edition featured teams from 35 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Namibia, as well as Australia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, Spain and several other European countries.

Damon and Villet ended with 91 points, one point ahead of the Kenyan brothers, and another three points clear of Joao Valentine and Pedro Mansilha from Portugal.

With his performance, Damon rewrote the history books, thus becoming the first golfer to win one of amateur golf’s most sought-after titles for a second time.

The former Namibian footballer also won the men’s title in Penina, Portugal, in 2019, with Joseph Martin as his golfing partner.

Representing Namibia

Damon expressed joy at becoming the first golfer to win the International Pairs for a second time.

"I’m very happy with our achievement and very happy that we could make Namibia proud. It was a very tough golf course, especially over the second round, but we stuck to our guns, and when we finished on the 18th hole, I was confident that we had done enough to secure the title."

The 9-handicap golfer used his international experience to support his teammate Villet, who plays with a 14 handicap.

Villet thanked sponsors Namibia Breweries who, through their brand Windhoek Lager, made it possible for them to compete in Spain.

"It is an incredible opportunity that we have been given to travel overseas and represent Namibia. We were treated so well, met people from other countries, and managed to make our countries proud. We can’t thank Windhoek Lager enough for their support and what they have done for us."

More achievements

Another Namibian team consisting of Andrew van Schalkwyk and Hein Lintvelt earned 9th place, and Lebeus Kangandjela and Edwin Kutara were placed 12th out of 38 teams.

In the women’s competition, Brenda Lens also contributed to the tournament’s archive when she carded a hole in one, the first in the history of the tournament.

Lens, who plays out of the Omeya Country Club, aced the par-38th hole on the Camp Americas Course.

Lens said that she couldn’t believe that she won.

"I just couldn’t believe it. Also, to do it here while representing Namibia is just unbelievable. We are so grateful to Windhoek Lager, who have given us the opportunity to travel here".

Lens and her playing partner Zandra Kruger finished in third place overall, behind two South African teams.

Namibia had two teams in the women’s only competition, Lydia Lumley and Julia Hart, who finished 4th.

Proud sponsors

Namibia Breweries Limited's global sponsorship and events manager, Danie Keulder, congratulated the golfers on their achievement.

"Windhoek Lager is immensely proud of all the Namibian golfers after their performances at the World International Pairs tournament.

"It is fantastic to see the success of our amateur golfers at international level, and as a brand, we are extremely proud to be associated with amateur golf in Namibia and strive to grow this sport.

"Through this sponsorship, we are able to add value to their lives and create memorable experiences that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Windhoek Lager would also like to congratulate Africa Sports Management for doing a fantastic job on the organisation and execution of the event," concluded Keulder.