Hollick out to defend FBC Zim Open

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE most prestigious golfing event in Zimbabwe — the R2 million FBC Zimbabwe Open — tees off this morning at the lush Royal Harare greens with the South African contingent, once again, having a very strong hand in the field.

Defending champion Michael Hollick of South Africa has returned and will play the same ball with compatriots Neil Scheitekat and Zimbabwean amateur Keegan Shutt when they go to the starting box shortly before 7:20am.

Hollick, who plays at Mount Edgecombe in Durban, was yesterday getting a feel of the course in the Pro-Ams and remained cautious on his chances of retaining the title.

As he looks to turn 38 on Monday, Hollick will be hoping to get himself an early birthday present by reclaiming the Zim Open title.

Last year he summoned all his golf prowess to finish with a 20-under-par 268 after an epic final day against South African compatriot Darren Fichardt, who pushed him to the limit with his 18-under-par 270.

Hollick stalked his opponents for much of the event before posting a final round of six-under-par 66 to finish a shot ahead of 2001 winner Fichardt who unfortunately is not in the mix this time around.

Fitchard and last year’s third placed Scott Vincent will miss out this time with the latter taking part in the Asians Tour’s International Series Japan presented by Mountai where he finished the opening round on two-over-par 72 yesterday. But for this year, there will be a little bit of pressure and expectations on Hollick, unlike last year when he played as an underdog.

Despite the wave of expectations on him as the title holder, Hollick cast a calm figure as he sampled the Royal Harare greens yesterday.

“The expectations are good but I am not expecting too much. I have enjoyed the course and it was my first day to play today (yesterday). The course is in good shape and the greens are in good state,” said Hollick.

If Hollick wins the Zimbabwe Open, of which it’s too early to predict at this stage, he will become only the second man after the legendary Zimbabwean golfer Nick Price to achieve the feat.

Zimbabwe Hall of Famer, Price, is the only man in the 26-year-history of the Zim Open to successfully retain the championship when he won it in 1997 at Chapman and then retained the title the following year but this time at Royal Harare. The Zimbabwe Open Committee who had five slots for invites has South Africans, Jaco Prinsloo, Christiaan Basson and Tristen Stydon, Greek Peter Karmis and Norwegian Mikkel Antonsen. With 156 entries from across the world, Fisher (Jnr) feels he has a chance to clinch this trophy for the first time in his career.

But the Zimbabwean players are on the home turf and will be all out to give their best with seasoned Sunshine Tour campaigners like Nyasha Muyambo, Tongo Charamba, Ryan Cairns and Robson Chinhoi making part of the field. Besides the South Africans, the locals have a big number of entries with top amateur Tanaka Chatora, Keegan Shutt, Michael Wallace and Kelvin Muchenje among several others.