All set for Hwange golf tourney

Hwange Correspondent
ALL is set for the hosting of the Hwange Closed golf tournament to be held at the Hwange Golf Club tomorrow and Sunday.
The first major tournament in the golf calendar is expected to attract about 60 amateur golfers.In an interview, Hwange Golf Club captain Vumi Moyo declared that it’s all systems go in the coal mining town tomorrow.

“Yes, we are more than ready to host the tournament as a club as we expect a sizeable field to take to the greens in this very important tournament which will also be hosted by various clubs around the country.

“As for the course, I wish you had taken some shots for publication as the course is in an immaculate position. We are very grateful to estates department for their dedication towards maintaining the greens and fairways,” said Moyo, who is also confident of making an impact during the tournament.

“We hope to tee off at 10.30AM tomorrow and far much earlier the following day so that we can have the prizegiving at around 4PM,” added Moyo. Last year’s winner in the male category Stephen “Zero” Simukai is expected to retain his title if his current form is anything to go by.

Simukai recently won the inaugural Mashonaland West Golfers Union (Mawegu) tournament and the Roland Park Open in Zvishavane. He will however not get it easy in the course as a lot of competition will come from the likes of Cephas Ncube, Vumbu Ncube, Christian Lungu, Marko Phiri and Moses Moyo.

Other consistent golfers expected to produce notable results include the club chairman Victor Rakabopa, Didymus Ngorora, Kenny Maunga, Edwin Moyo, Stanford Ndlovu, Victor Suerga, Ntungamili Matshanga and Thankyou Mwampamba.

Thomas Coulter Primary School student Keith Banda, at handicap 10 and arguably the best young golfing talent in this province at the moment, looks set to spring surprises on most seasoned golfers.

Last year’s winner in the women’s category Viola Musengi is also expected to defend her title but not without a huge fight from women’s captain Terry Tshamala, Colleta Mhonda, Matron Mguni, Patience Utete, Colleen Rakabopa to mention a few.

After the Hwange Closed tournament the club will host the Kamandama Memorial Golf tournament on June 5, where a field of over 100 golfers is expected to tee off as part of fundraising efforts to assist the widows and their dependants.