Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
A field of 40 professional golfers is expected to take part in this year’s edition of the annual Hwange Open Golf tournament that tees off later this month in the coal mining town.
The professionals are making a return to the Hwange Golf Club greens after missing out last year due to liquidity challenges that the country’s biggest coal producer was facing but with positive strides this time around, the professionals will join more than 100 amateur golfers over the weekend of October 20-23.
“We expect a field of about 40 professional golfers but the figure can actually go up as we approach but for planning purposes we are working with that figure. They will join the 100 or so amateurs that we expect to attend this year’s tournament,” said Hwange Golf Club captain, Morgan Gorerino.
He said they sent out invites to all the clubs in the country and were confident of a positive response.
“Invitations were sent to all clubs and we remain confident that we will get a positive response,” said Gorerino.
TV personality Gary Thompson won the last version of the tournament in 2015 when professionals attended and will be the man to beat if he attends this time around.
Harare Country Club amateur golfer Never Milazi won the 2016 Hwange Open Golf champion after grossing 234 points in a taxing three rounds (54 holes) while Elephant Hills’ Josphat Phiri was second with 238 points and Liberty Gumisa third.
Hwange Golf Club president, Thomas Makore, was victorious in the C Division with 196 points, while Lazarus Machiwana beat Godfrey Nyoni to second place on count back after both golfers were tied on 198 points.
Gweru golfer Stella Feldman was crowned the ladies (Gold Division) champion with a score of 177 points, relegating Hwange ladies captain Matron Mguni to second place with 184 points.
Impressive 17-year-old junior golfer Mphenduko Sibanda claimed third spot with 194 points.
Prisca Chimukoko clinched the ladies’ Bronze Division with 204 points, with Virginia Mabhena coming second on 207 points and former champion Colleta Mhonda settling for third place with 208 points. There were no professional golfers at last year’s tournament.
@skhumoyo2000
Online Reporter