By Moorosi Tsiane
MASERU — Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) in collaboration with Maseru Golf club held the first-ever one-day Tourism Golf tournament last Saturday.
LTDC chief executive officer, ′Mamacase Maleke, said the tourism tournament is part of their strategy to promote and market Lesotho as a conducive tourism destination.
“We have partnered with Maseru Golf Club to promote our country as a tourism destination and we feel that the golf tournament can help us achieve that goal,” Maleke said.
“This tournament will form part of the government strategy to improve tourist attractions as golf is a sport that is growing fast and attracting so many people.”
She said they are grateful to have joined forces with Maseru Golf Club to use the sport as a tool to show the beauty of the country to the world.
“We all know that golf is a sport that can help generate big monies and also bring innovations to our country,” said Maleke.
She said they will make the competition an annual tournament.
Sixty eight golfers took part in the first day of the tournament last Saturday.
“We have partnered with the private sector to make this tournament a success,” she said.
She revealed they are also partnering with the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (Retosa) to market the competition at regional level while their counterparts from Botswana have promised to be part of next year’s competition.
“We have experienced golfers who have played in major competitions in the region and their input can help grow the tournament,” said Maleke.
She thanked companies such as Standard Lesotho Bank, Sister Beauty and Giftigue Salon and Thaba Bosiu Risk Solutions for sponsoring the tournament.
Maseru Golf Club captain, Thabang Khabo, said the small golf course remains a challenge to hosting big competitions.
“The golf course has only nine holes which is a disadvantage as it can only accommodate a few golfers,” Khabo said.
He said they could do better with an 18-hole golf course that would accommodate more golfers and improve the sport in the country.
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