Gumisa takes lead in President’s Golf Cup

LIBERTY Gumisa shot a six under par in the opening round of the three-day President’s Cup that started yesterday at Bulawayo Country Club.

It was a competitive opening day of the NetOne-sponsored event in which a field of 48 golfers teed off with a brilliant 67 five under par, posted by amateur Tariro November to finish the day tied on that mark with a veteran of over 20 years in the professional ranks Ryan Cairns.

Clive Nguru was another top performer of the day when he carded 67.

Richard Jazi had a fair morning out in the fairways and beautiful greens, ending the day with a score of four under par 68.

With the intense competition of the first day in which the 18 holes were played up to lunch break at 1300 hours, two golfers Michael Wallace and David Amm were both tied on 69.

Biggie Chibvuri, Brian Gondo, Darlington Chikambaidze and Jack Allard shot two under par at the close of business, setting the stage for what should be a very absorbing second day today. The golfers are now familiar with the course and will have a better appreciation on how to deal with problematic roughs.

Impressive female golfer Yolanda Mubaiwa alongside Tongo Charamba, Ignatius Mteketeke and Trynos Muradzikwa posted 71 just one below par setting the bar for what should be a pulsating competition in the next set of 18 holes to be played.

The President’s Cup started last year as an amateur event and this year after partners like NetOne came on board, the event is now a pro-am. That version will be played on Friday, a day after the professionals would have ended with 54 holes played in all.

November and Mubaiwa’s scores were among the highlights of the day with November ending the day five under par while Mubaiwa was one below par.

The leading female golfer in the pack Mubaiwa was happy with her first day’s returns.

“I am happy to participate in the President’s Cup. I think started well and I hope to finish strong,” said Mubaiwa.
Pre-tournament favourite Robson Chinhoyi was not happy with his score. He ended the day with 73, one over par. He struggled with his putting and chipping.

“I did not start well, the course played so tough for me, the greens look god but are not playing well,” said Chinhoyi.
The tournament co-ordinator, Edgar Mashingaidze, was pleased with the scores posted on the first day.

“Having 12 golfers posting very good first day results was immaculate,” said Mashingaidze.

NetOne spokesperson Ernest Magadzire was on cloud nine with the first day’s proceedings.

“This initiative weighs very symbolic as it reflects unity of purpose, sport is one of our drive towards achievement of national development in our country, as NetOne we are very proud. This is going to be a very fantastic week, a very, very exciting week. This President’s Cup as NetOne, we are going to take pride in swinging for progress, swinging for excellence and swinging for our visionary leader, President Mnangagwa and swinging for digital network solutions,” said Magadzire.

Competition continues this morning.

The event is a good warm-up ahead of the Zimbabwe Open, which will take place in three weeks.
Tariro November – 67
Ryan Cairns -67
Clive Nguru – 67
Richard Jazi – 68
Michael Wallace – 69
David Amm – 69
Biggie Chibvuri
Jack Allard – 70
Darlington Chikambaidze – 70
Brian Gondo – 70
Tongo Charamba – 70
Ignatius Mteketeke – 71
Trynos Muradzikwa – 71
Yolanda Mubaiwa – 71
Tonderai Masunga – 71