By Duncan Mlanjira
Professional Golfers Association of Malawi (PGAMW) has postponed the postponed the 2019 Warm Heart profession golf Tour which was scheduled to hosted from November 14-16 at Lilongwe Golf Club.
PGAMW president Patridge Shycal confirmed the postponement, saying this was due to circumstances beyond their control.
But sources in the golf fraternity told Maravi Express in confidence that this is due to the current political impasse prevailing in the country which most of the stakeholders also expressed.
“It was, therefore, felt as an association we needed to take heed of the sponsors feedback and ensure that we don’t predispose our travelling Pros to the political unrests facing the country thereby ruining the goodwill of the Warm Heart Pro Tour earned thus far,” said our source on Tuesday.
Patridge Shycal, PGAMW president
Shycal refused to be drawn into this only saying they are still some logistics that need to be worked out because more pros are still showing interest to participate as our Tour also clash with their other golf engagements.
Shycal cited the Sunshine Tour NEDBANK Challenge to be played in South Africa which coincides the dates for the Warm Heart Tour.
So far, there are assurance of participation from over 81 players, who registered to take part spanning from Portugal, Mexico, Senegal and Ghana as new entrants to the Tour.
“Meanwhile, we shall continue to engage with all our stakeholders so that we keep the momentum going.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this development which may be cause but it was all for goodwill,” he said.
He added that they are very much appreciative of the support they continue to receive in order that Pro Golf should prevail in the country.
The Warm Heart Pro Tour was successfully inaugurated last year and attracted pros from across Africa as the continent continues to engage many countries to engage extra gear on pro golf.