adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
RYAN CAIRNS played steadily, making full use of familiar conditions, while Brendon de Jonge could only manage a one-over -par 73, in his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Championships at Leopard Creek Country Club in Mpumalanga, South Africa, yesterday.Cairns shot a two-under-par 70 and was in 16th place, five strokes adrift of leader Morten Orum Madsen of Denmark who opened with a sizzling 65.
De Jonge was playing for the first time in the European Tour co-sanctioned Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, for the first time in 16 years, and had hinted that the courses in this part of the world were different from what he is used to on the United States PGA Tour.
“The kind of golf is so different to what we’re used to playing in America. Everything’s in the air in America, whereas on the European Tour the conditions can get windy and firm,” said De Jonge.
“It’s a different kind of golf and very refreshing.
“This is a special place. The course looks hard and I think it will be a good test. I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, the Hwange Open golf tournament springs into action this morning with more than 36 professionals scheduled to compete for the top prize.
Defending champion Brian Gondo will lead a competitive cast of local professionals who have descended on the mining town for the big tournament.
The professionals’ battle will be over 54 holes while a Pro-Am was held yesterday.
Dale Howie, who swept to a stunning comeback victory in the Harare Open in Harare last weekend, will not be in Hwange this weekend.
Greg Bentley, Micky Hough and Mohamed Mandhu will also be missing as they are in South Africa where they took part in the Alfred Dunhill pre-qualifiers.
Peter Banda, Phillip Tshuma, Tongo Charamba, Robson Saurombe and the big-hitting Tich Musemburi are likely to provide the fireworks at the Colliery.
Roger Jack, Nyasha Muyambo, Kaymar Mandhu, Bernard Magaso, Grant Hudson, Bradley Hudson and Scott Ferguson are also featuring in the tournament and could make a mark.
Online Reporter