Seychellois golfers shine in inter islands tournament |06 September 2023

Weidner (second left) achieved unprecedented success at the Inter Islands Tournament (Photo: Contributed)

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Seychellois golfer William Weidner achieved unprecedented success at the Inter Islands Tournament held between Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion.

Despite being outnumbered, Team Seychelles, comprising Weidner, Jerry Jean-Baptiste, Godfroy Andrade and Jemmy Esther, put forth an inspiring performance, with Weidner leading the charge, earning him a well-deserved place among the tournament's top contenders.

The Inter Islands Tournament, which took place between August 21 and 26, was a golfing extravaganza that showcased the talents of players from Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion. Although initially slated to include Mayotte, the tournament proceeded with four countries following their withdrawal just prior to the event.

Despite sending a smaller team than their competitors, Team Seychelles proved that size doesn't always matter when it comes to golfing prowess.

In a tournament where the competition was fierce, William Weidner emerged as a beacon of Seychellois golfing talent. Weidner, who holds the position of PGA golf professional and manager at the Seychelles Golf Club, secured an impressive fourth place overall in the men's category and an outstanding second place in the pro category. This achievement historically marked the highest ranking ever attained by a Seychellois golfer in an international tournament – a momentous occasion for both Weidner and Seychelles.

Weidner's success at the Inter Islands Tournament is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. When asked about his experience at the event, he shared:

"It was a great experience of a country, and a golf course I had never played before. The hospitality of our hosts exceeded expectations, and we hope to be back for future events, especially as they are reinstating the Madagascar Golf Open," said Weidner.

The tournament, which was hosted on a demanding course, presented a formidable challenge to all golfers. Weidner remarked “it was a very technical and tough course that demanded excellent course knowledge, which understandably, the home side had in abundance."

Despite the challenging conditions and the advantage held by the host country, Weidner and his team demonstrated exceptional skills and resilience, earning the admiration of the Seychelles Golf Federation and the entire Seychelles golfing community.

The remarkable performance of Weidner and the entire Team Seychelles at the Inter Islands Tournament is a source of pride for the nation's golfing community. Their ability to excel under challenging circumstances and compete at an international level serves as an inspiration to aspiring Seychellois golfers.

Thanks to the usual and unwavering support of Absa Bank Seychelles Limited, the headline sponsor for the Seychelles Golf Federation, Team Seychelles defied the odds and showcased their talent on an international stage. Weidner's impressive fourth place finish overall and second place in the pro category are a testament to his dedication and skill, setting a new benchmark for Seychellois golfers.

As they return home to a warm welcome, the entire Seychelles golfing community can take pride in their remarkable achievement, and the future of golf in Seychelles looks brighter than ever.

Contributed