Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
CHRISTIAN Mbanga of Chapman won his maiden club championship, three years after joining the Eastlea-based golf club, when he was crowned the 2012 club champion at the weekend.
Mbanga’s sweet victory came the hard way as he had to win a play-off against Rushid Mohammed after they had ended the contest tied on 156 gross scores after two competitive rounds.
The golfers could not be separated after 36 holes, forcing the three-hole play-off.
The players, who were cheered loudly as they plunged into the play-off, played on the 16, 17 and 18 holes to decide the winner.
Such was the intensity of the play-off that it was decided on the final hole.
The Chapman competition was the most competitive with defending champion Bret Krog, Clive Nguru, Emanuel Hungwe all making their presence felt.
It was, however, the unheralded Mbanga who pulled a surprise victory after solid rounds and the ability to hold his nerve in the play-off.
Kyaman Mandhu was crowned the 2012 Royal Harare Club champion after he convincingly won the tournament.
The golfer, who hails from a family with a rich history in the sport, finished four strokes clear.
His main challenge came from the up-and-coming golfer - Gath Dale.
At Wingate, Ben Follet-Smith, rated the second best amateur golfer in the country, successfully defended his title after a shot victory.
Several golf clubs across the country staged their club championships, which are part of the Zimbabwe Golf Association calendar.
In Mutare, Martin Chikwanha won the tournament at Hillside for the fourth consecutive time.
The golfer is dominating the Eastern Highlands course.
Steven Venn is the Bulawayo Golf Club 2012 champion.
Clubs like Harry Allen in Bulawayo, Norton and Bindura, however, failed to organise the annual club championships at the weekend.