Local golf dead

tournament on the domestic scene was won by South Africa’s Chris Swanepoel.
The South Africans once again dominated the tourney, turning it into their own show from day one, with the locals playing the supporting act.

Gone are the days when local boys like Nick Price, Mark McNulty and Tony Johnstone, dominated the tournament.
Local golfers appear to be paying a big price for playing in fewer tournaments and they went into the Open after having only featured in the Mashwede Open.
Former Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association chairman, Emerson Chitakatira, said the dominance of the foreign brigade was a cause for concern.

“I am very concerned with the way our local golfers are being handled by the so-called representatives. The golfers are suffering as there is no development in our local structures.

“As a founder member of the ZPGA I am really concerned with the way our association is being treated.
“We have a constituency which clearly show how some tournaments should be handled. The issues of development, beneficiaries, tournaments and sponsorship are well documented.

“What is worrying is that there are some issues which are not being addressed and that makes our professionals suffer.
“There are now more than 60 professional golfers who can handle their own affairs rather than have some people, who have not played at the highest level, represent us.

“It is difficult to understand whose interest will they be representing,” said Chitakatira.
The veteran golfer appeared to direct his criticism at the Zimbabwe Open Committee.
“I think most of the sponsors on board were there even before the Zimbabwe Open Committee, which in my view is not good for local professional golfers.

“In my view the Zimbabwe Open was just an event which did not represent the needs of our local talent.
“Most of our players are suffering and will not improve their game if they play a game after six months.
“I am certainly happy for young and up-and-coming golfers who have shown a lot of potential in their chosen career and with sponsorship they can improve immensely.

“The golfers are getting poorer and as the sole beneficiaries they are suffering,” said Chitakatira.