15th World Military Golf Championship tees off at Victoria Falls
VICTORIA FALLS (ZIM) - On June 17, the Opening Ceremony of the 15th World Military Golf Championship took place with great fanfare. The event was graced by the Official CISM Representative, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General; PCSC Golf, Major Cameron Lowdon; Chiefs of Mission from participating nations, as well as prominent international and local authorities. Amidst a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, the tournament commenced, setting the stage for a week of competitive golf and camaraderie among military athletes from around the world.
As the sun set in the beautiful area of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the first round of the 15th WMC Golf was completed at the Elephant Hills Golf Resort. The host golf course, abundant with wildlife rarely seen in other parts of the world, proved to be a challenging venue for all participants who traveled from near and far.
First round results show a great start for Team Canada, taking the lead in the Men’s Team Competition while sitting in second place in the Ladies Team Competition. Following closely behind in the Men’s event behind Canada (309 strokes) is Germany (311), the Netherlands (325), Kingdom of Bahrain (326) and France (330). The Ladies has France leading the way (167) followed by Canada (180), Tanzania (181) and then a tie with the Netherlands and the host country Zimbabwe (326).
Individually, things are very tight on the Men’s side of the field. Sgt Jel Simms (Canada) and Major Berend den Engelman (Netherlands) are pacing the filed with opening 74s, followed closely behind by Warrant Officer Rupert Swansburg (Canada) and Staff Sergeant Niklas Starcevic with matching 76s. A host of other players are within close distance behind.
In the Ladies' division, defending champion Private Pauline Stein of France once again holds the top position with a 77, followed by Lieutenant-Colonel Jennifer Jones (Canada) with an 86, Corporal Khadija Selimani Lusakile (Tanzania) with an 88, and Lieutenant Ingeborg van den Broek (Netherlands) with an 89.
The Men’s Senior Division will be close as well. Warrant Officer Rupert Swansburg (Canada) shot 76 to take a one-stroke lead over Warrant Officer 2 K.K. Mabele of Kenya (77) and Warrant Officer Nasser Yaqoob (Kingdom of Bahrain) who shot 78.
Day Two will be underway shortly under magnificent weather conditions, more unimaginable wildlife and a friendship amongst soldiers and athletes. Best of luck to all players.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
