adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
PREPARATIONS for this year’s edition of the prestigious Golden Pilsner Zimbabwe Open began this week with the confirmation of the competition dates.
In a statement on its official web page, www.golfzone.co.zw, the organisers of the elite tournament, which was dominated by South African golfers last year, said it would be held from April 9-12 at the Royal Harare Golf Club.
The annual tournament was successfully re-launched in 2010 and it has grown from strength to strength over the past three years.
The tournament is considered a top tier event on the Sunshine Tour.
In an editorial on the golfzone, the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open said the tournament enhances the country’s image as a sporting and business destination.
“It provides Zimbabwe’s young and up-and-coming sports persons a chance to witness world class performances and a useful reference for their aspirations and objectives,” reads the statement.
The defending champion, J’be Kruger, who won the tournament for the second time since its re-introduction on a score of minus 18, is largely expected to defend his title in Harare this year.
The South African carded a six-under-par 66 to finish on 18 under par.
Another golfer from across the Limpopo, Jacques Blaauw was second on 17 under par thanks to a 68 on the final day.
Haydn Porteous, also a South African, struggled to a 73 in the final round to finish in third place.
Zimbabwe top golfers, Tongo Charamba, Scot Vincent, Brian Gondo who came second in the Hwange Open, Phillip Tshuma as well as Ignatius Mketekete are all expected to give a good account of themselves this time around.
The Zimbabwe Open was first played in 1984 and previous winners include former British Open and PGA champion, Zimbabwe’s Nick Price and Fijian Vijay Singh.
Online Reporter