adminAlready, a field of 33 professionals, which include defending champion Tongoona Charamba, 2010 winner Ignatius Mketekete and Hwange-born Philip Tshuma have confirmed their participation, setting the stage for an exciting and closely fought competition on the greens.
Without doubt all eyes will be on Charamba as he seeks to defend his title against a field of strong contenders after he won last year’s event by a single stroke over Peter Banda.
Also taking part in the professionals will be two foreigners, Thanda Mavundla from South Africa and Zambia’s Patrick Mwendapoli.
Hwange Golf Club captain, who is also the Matabeleland Golf Society vice-president Victor Suerga, said while the clinical details of the package will be confirmed over the weekend, sponsors have said the total amount has significantly increased from last year’s package.
Last year, Charferfly poured in about $10 000.
“We are not in a position to reveal the amount at the moment but yes, the package has gone up. In terms of preparations, we are ready as a committee and can confidently assure the players that the greens and fairways are in perfect condition,” said Suerga.
Also confirming her participation is 11 handicapper Acy Zerf, a member of Harry Allen Golf Club in Bulawayo. From the host club, captain Patience Utete, Shelly Gwanonga and one of the most consistent players Stella Njamba will lead a local contingent of female players.
The local players who are expected to feature prominently are Stephen Simukai, Thembelani Vundla and Christian Lungu.
Others expected to also prove their mettle from the host club are the Colliery’s acting managing director Stanford Ndlovu, club chairman Victor Rakabopa, Stanford Musengi, Wonder Makuzha, Suerga, Vumbu Ncube, Milton Magidi, Marko Phiri, Edwin Moyo, Joseph Hove, Amos Lungu, Khumbulani Tshimiti, Didymus Ngorora, Diamond Jackson, Joseph Shoko and Edwin Nyasulu to name a few.
Pro-am is a tournament in which professionals form teams with amateurs using the individual stableford format over 18 holes.
The next two days will see players using the strokeplay format over the same number of holes.
Like has been the norm, foreign based amateur players from South Africa, Zambia and Botswana are expected to grace the occasion, one of the season’s draw cards on the domestic scene with world famous player Nick Price having participated and won in 1974.
The rules of golf as published by the Royal and Ancient shall apply together with local rules published by the tournament committee.
Ties for division winners will be decided by a play-off over holes five, six and nine. In the event of a tie then the same holes will be played on sudden death.
All other ties will be decided by count back system in use by the organisers.
The competition organisers said amateur men will be grouped into three different divisions, according to the player’s handicap as would women.
For men, those handicapped between zero and nine will be in the A Division, 10-18 will fall under the B Division with those 19-24 in C Division.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo