adminThis is the traditional season opener and has in the past attracted participants from all over the country. The off-season rust might not give a true reflection of the golfers’ true potential.
Last year Matthew Ncube who had a promising start to the season won the tournament.
Ncube used home turf advantage to win the tournament with a one shot win over runner-up Ray Badenhoist.
Ncube, who was on fire at the beginning of last season, finally fell out of contention in several tournaments that followed.
It was Royal Harare’s Badenhoist who played well until the end of the season. However, all were overshadowed by Clive Nguru.
Nguru, who is likely to face stiff competition from junior golfer BenFollet Smith, was arguably the best player last season.
Nguru won almost all of the tournaments he took part in and went on to win the order of merit at the end of the season.
The tournaments are likely to be different this year with the coming on board of junior golfer Smith who dominated the local scene.
Smith made his presence felt as he managed to win several tournaments including the Lowveld Pro-Am.
New kid on the block Thembelani Vundla will also be one to watch in the field that will have top amateurs.
The Victoria Falls-based youngster has shown potential having stamped his authority in the only junior golf tournament played so far this season, the Ray Stracker.
Vundla managed to match the play of seasoned amateurs like Scott Vincent and Kayman Mandhu.
Some Bulawayo players expected to defend the home turf include Moses Mlalazi, Oscar Mataruka, Acy Zerf, Dumisani Ndlovu, Chenge Chivonivoni, Winston Mutasa, Daniel Chiweda and Jonathan Moyo.
The Bulawayo Golf Club course is in good condition as management strives to make it Bulawayo’s best. — Harare Bureau/Sports Reporter.
Online Reporter