FNB celebrates 40th anniversary at Sages Interbranch week
Golf
The FNB 40th Anniversary celebration was the perfect end to a remarkable Sages Interbranch week. Blessed with excellent weather throughout the week, the tournament saw over 70 golfers competing daily, culminating in a final field of 82 players on Friday. While a few minor complaints emerged, they were hardly enough to overshadow the joy and camaraderie of the event, particularly given the age group involved.
Thursday’s highlight came courtesy of Chris Magson, who set a new Sages record with an incredible 45 points. Friday brought a different challenge, with daily awards for two clubs and nearest to the pin alongside five divisional prizes.
The week concluded with a Gala Dinner and Final Prize-giving at Rossmund Golf Course, attended by 120 guests, including players, sponsors, spouses, partners, and friends. This evening remains a cherished highlight, showcasing the unity and camaraderie of the Sages community.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the tournament sponsors who made this event possible: anchor sponsor FNB, Bay Auctioneers, Dr. Dean Kock, WB Building Supplies, Super Spar (Tops), Thovo Therm, and Fruit & Veg.
Individual and team prizes were awarded across all divisions, with special recognition for the Namibia Sages 2025 Order of Merit. Tiekie De Wet became the first female recipient of the trophy, sponsored by the Pro Shop, presented by Sages Namibia Chairperson Sakkie Van Zyl. Other special prizes included the Oldest Sage (Chris Zaayman), Lady with Best Daily Average (Heidi Van Niekerk, 36.5), and Best Inland Lady Golfer of the Week (Natasha Louw, 122 points).
Franzelle Beukes represented Charmaine Mberira, Swakopmund FNB Branch Manager, at the evening’s celebrations, presenting prizes and joining in the cutting of the 40th Anniversary cake.
Overall Individual Winners – prizes sponsored by FNB:
A Division: 1st – Helmut Ndjendja (144 pts), 2nd – Andy Langworthy (142 pts), 3rd – George Murasiki (141 pts)
B Division: 1st – Clive Lawrence (144 pts), 2nd – Mark Jacobs (137 pts), 3rd – Ernie Blommaert (134 pts)
C Division: 1st – Olaf Gudehus (148 pts), 2nd – Heidi van Niekerk (145 pts), 3rd – Francois Binnemann (144 pts)
Team Winners – prizes sponsored by Tops & FNB:
1st Place: Kestrels (Douw van Wyk, George Murasiki, Helmut Ndjendja, Quinton Jonck) – 432 pts
2nd Place: Comets (Clive Lawrence, Mark Jacobs, Achmet Abrahams, Sigi Baumgartner) – 431 pts
3rd Place: Springboks (Rudi Auseb, Chris Magson, Olaf Gudehus, Chris Zaayman) – 425 pts
The all-ladies team, Divot Divas (Tiekie De Wet, Mariena Ludwig, Heidi van Niekerk, Lynette Rautenbach), finished with a well-earned 421 points, giving the men’s teams a strong challenge. At the halfway stage, standings looked different, with Comets leading 226, Divot Divas 221, Kestrels 219, Windhoek (2) 216, and Bay Boys 207.
The 40th Anniversary Sages Interbranch week will be remembered for its spirited competition, remarkable performances, and the strong sense of community it fostered among golfers, sponsors, and supporters alike.
Thursday’s highlight came courtesy of Chris Magson, who set a new Sages record with an incredible 45 points. Friday brought a different challenge, with daily awards for two clubs and nearest to the pin alongside five divisional prizes.
The week concluded with a Gala Dinner and Final Prize-giving at Rossmund Golf Course, attended by 120 guests, including players, sponsors, spouses, partners, and friends. This evening remains a cherished highlight, showcasing the unity and camaraderie of the Sages community.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the tournament sponsors who made this event possible: anchor sponsor FNB, Bay Auctioneers, Dr. Dean Kock, WB Building Supplies, Super Spar (Tops), Thovo Therm, and Fruit & Veg.
Individual and team prizes were awarded across all divisions, with special recognition for the Namibia Sages 2025 Order of Merit. Tiekie De Wet became the first female recipient of the trophy, sponsored by the Pro Shop, presented by Sages Namibia Chairperson Sakkie Van Zyl. Other special prizes included the Oldest Sage (Chris Zaayman), Lady with Best Daily Average (Heidi Van Niekerk, 36.5), and Best Inland Lady Golfer of the Week (Natasha Louw, 122 points).
Franzelle Beukes represented Charmaine Mberira, Swakopmund FNB Branch Manager, at the evening’s celebrations, presenting prizes and joining in the cutting of the 40th Anniversary cake.
Overall Individual Winners – prizes sponsored by FNB:
A Division: 1st – Helmut Ndjendja (144 pts), 2nd – Andy Langworthy (142 pts), 3rd – George Murasiki (141 pts)
B Division: 1st – Clive Lawrence (144 pts), 2nd – Mark Jacobs (137 pts), 3rd – Ernie Blommaert (134 pts)
C Division: 1st – Olaf Gudehus (148 pts), 2nd – Heidi van Niekerk (145 pts), 3rd – Francois Binnemann (144 pts)
Team Winners – prizes sponsored by Tops & FNB:
1st Place: Kestrels (Douw van Wyk, George Murasiki, Helmut Ndjendja, Quinton Jonck) – 432 pts
2nd Place: Comets (Clive Lawrence, Mark Jacobs, Achmet Abrahams, Sigi Baumgartner) – 431 pts
3rd Place: Springboks (Rudi Auseb, Chris Magson, Olaf Gudehus, Chris Zaayman) – 425 pts
The all-ladies team, Divot Divas (Tiekie De Wet, Mariena Ludwig, Heidi van Niekerk, Lynette Rautenbach), finished with a well-earned 421 points, giving the men’s teams a strong challenge. At the halfway stage, standings looked different, with Comets leading 226, Divot Divas 221, Kestrels 219, Windhoek (2) 216, and Bay Boys 207.
The 40th Anniversary Sages Interbranch week will be remembered for its spirited competition, remarkable performances, and the strong sense of community it fostered among golfers, sponsors, and supporters alike.
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