Leemisa Thuseho CHINESE national, Shane Xu, is leaving Lesotho with a second Monthly Mug title this year after capping his golfing journey in the country with a victory at Maseru Golf Club’s October competition on Sunday. Xu, who arrived in Lesotho without ever having played golf, defeated Makhakhe Maliehe in a playoff to claim the title before being honoured at a farewell ceremony organised by the club. The victory was a fitting end to a golfing journey that began in April 2024 and transformed him from a complete novice into a regular player and two-time Monthly Mug champion. Xu and Maliehe, playing off handicaps of 17 and 10 respectively, finished with identical nett scores of 72, forcing a playoff to determine the winner. Xu eventually prevailed on the second playoff hole. Kelello Lerotholi finished third with a nett score of 73, while Itumeleng Khubetsoana, playing off a handicap of 21, returned a nett score of 77. Xu’s golfing journey began after he was introduced to Maseru Golf Club by its former president, Tsepo Ntaopane. What started as an unfamiliar sport soon became a passion, fuelled by the friendships and welcoming atmosphere he found among the club’s members. “I will remember that moment forever. I feel I am truly a blessed person,” Xu told the Lesotho Times this week. The October triumph was particularly meaningful because it came as he prepared to leave Lesotho for personal reasons. Despite his experience on the course, Xu admitted that the pressure of competing against a familiar opponent in the playoff had tested his nerves. “I went into a playoff with a great golfer and also a good friend of mine. I was very stressed during that time, even afraid to hit the ball, but I was super lucky and won the Mug after two rounds of playoff,” he said. Sunday’s victory was his second Monthly Mug title, following his maiden triumph in January this year. “The first time was in January 2026, a good start to the new year. Now, at my farewell, I am blessed with another Mug,” he said. The club also used the occasion to celebrate Xu’s contribution to its golfing community and wish him well as he prepares to depart. He expressed gratitude to Maseru Golf Club president, Mpeake Sekhibane, and club captain, Rasheed Osman, for organising the farewell celebration, describing the gesture as a reflection of the bonds he had formed during his stay. “I really appreciate all the members for giving me that special time. They have all treated me as a close family member in the big Maseru Golf Club family,” he said. Beyond the trophies, Xu said his time in Lesotho had given him lasting friendships, a deeper understanding of Basotho culture and a sporting interest that helped him cope with the pressures of work. “I have only been playing for two and a half years. It is my first time learning how to play golf, and it happened right here in Lesotho,” he said. “I have met a lot of nice friends and good players. I have also learnt a lot about the local culture from them.” Xu said golf had become an important part of his routine, offering an opportunity to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and stay physically active. “Playing golf helps release work pressure, and walking on the golf course in nature is a great way to exercise,” he said. His experience of living in Lesotho also left him with a deep appreciation for the warmth and social values of its people. “It has been a very memorable and good experience to live in Lesotho for several years, and it has also been a great honour to be a member of Maseru Golf Club,” he said. “Basotho are super friendly. I like the culture of greeting people whether you know them or not. It shows a lot of love and respect in this country.” During his stay, Xu also played at other courses, including Clarens Golf Estate and Champagne Golf Course. He participated in the Nedbank Mohokare Golf event and the Maseru Golf Club Corporate League, further broadening his experience and connections within the golfing community. Nevertheless, he said the friendships he had built and his Monthly Mug victories would remain his most treasured memories. “Winning the Mug is absolutely my best memory,” he said. Xu also expressed hope that more young Basotho would take up golf, praising the club’s leadership for improvements to the course, particularly the bunkers, tee boxes and greens. He said the sport could help young people develop important life skills beyond the fairways. “My only hope is that younger Basotho will be encouraged to take up the game, because golf teaches patience, discipline and respect, values that build not just better players, but better people,” he said. Xu’s departure closes a remarkable chapter that began with him knowing nothing about golf and ends with him leaving Lesotho as a two-time Monthly Mug champion, carrying with him memories of competition, friendship and Basotho hospitality. Meanwhile, the weekend’s Monthly Mug competition also featured a ladies’ category, which was won by Ade Lekoetje. Lekoetje, playing off a handicap of 28, returned a nett score of 75 to claim the title. Rethabile Liphalana finished runner-up with a nett score of 77 off a handicap of 14.