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Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE amateur golfers were this week presented with a difficult decision to make regarding where they would be this weekend.
Mining giants Hwange Colliery and Mimosa are playing host to high profile events that have attracted captains of industry and top players in both the amateur and professional ranks.
The Hwange event, sponsored by leading mining and industrial suppliers, Charferfly, 115 teed off taking to the immaculate course which has, however, not been spared the hostile weather. It is part of the Golden Pilsener Zambezi Tour where golfers score for regional rankings and fierce competition is expected.
Professionals from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are taking part.
There is no clear favourite in the professional ranks as most locals are familiar with the course having played there from their amateur ranks.
Gary Thompson, Stephen Simukai, Ignatious Mteketeke, Brian Gondo, Tongo Charamba and Phillip Tshuma will headline a cast of local golfers eager to land the purses and points. Simukai, who is the resident professional at the Hwange Golf Course, and Tshuma, who has previously been based there, could use their familiarity with the course and seething heat to their advantage.
Zambian Madalitso Muthiya will add a different dimension to the field.
South Africans have also come in numbers in the professional ranks with John Bele, Patrick Tshabangu, Teboho Sefatsa and Thabang Simon having been expected to tee off to add to the quality of the golf over the two days.
In Zvishavane, golfers will be cramped at Roland Park today to take part in a four-better-ball format in an invitational tournament sponsored by Mimosa Mining Company.
Like the Charferfly sponsored event, this one too has attracted genuine amateur golfers and captains of industry with the likes of Peter Mthombeni, Allen Nyoni, Minister Mike Bimha taking to the greens.
The first set of eight golfers will tee off at 9AM with the last group going to the first tee box at 10.24AM in what promises to be an enthralling summer afternoon.
Mimosa have drawn their participants from across the country.
With 104 golfers in action, it is among the best supported events on the calendar.
Online Reporter