Online Reporter
The Herald
22 October 1993
THE Matabele’s made a clean sweep in the Valentine Tournament played at Hillside, Mutare, last weekend.
In the main event, the Valentine Cup, Bulawayo Golf Club emerged as victors, beating Royal Harare “A” 4-1 in the final. The Matabele marauders were Steve Venn, Mike Davel, Josh Dube, Marshall Stuart and Shane Brown.
There were 16 teams competing in this matchplay knockout inter-club event, including a side from Blantyre in Malawi.
Royal Harare fielded two teams, and their “A” side, comprising Adelson Da Silva, Ross Dennett, Grant White, Ian Coventry and Stewart McGregor, finished runners-up.
Bulawayo Country Club took the honours in the plate event for the Hillside trophy, which is based on points accumulated over 54 holes off handicap. Hillside was reported to be in good condition, with the fairways well covered for this time of year, and the greens up to standard.
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ZIMBABWE’S shock wipeout in the Dunhill Cup talking point in club bars this week
Dismay and disappointment at the poor showing of a world class side, not least the three straight losses by Nick Price, replaced the eager anticipation of a Zimbabwean victory, or at least a berth in the final.
But it was not to be. Price missed an 18-inch putt on the 18th hole to give Irishman David Feherty a one shot which said it all, and seemed to set the tone of his game for the event.
Watching the tournament on video, it was difficult to believe that Price had missed the putt.
Conditions at St Andrew’s were less than ideal. The temperature was about 60 degree celcious with a gusty wind coming in from the North Sea. The greens were hard and fast, and the high floating shot had to be replaced with the “knock down” low flyer familiar to Scotsmen and others who play a links course.
However, everybody had to contend with the same conditions, and some of the scores were pretty good under the circumstances.
The Zimbabweans, on video, all seemed to be striking the ball well and didn’t get into any serious trouble.
Price admitted that his putting was off, and at that level, a game is won on the greens. All it takes is three or four missed birdie chances, or a couple of three putts, to put pressure on your putting and send your score soaring.
This year’s Dunhill Cup seemed to be a case of minnows beating whales. Top seed Zimbabwe were beaten by Argentina, Mexico beating South Africa, Japan beating second seed Australia and Spain beating Ireland, to name a few.
World number one Nick Faldo was also put in his place by Liang-Hsi of Chinese Taipei, who beat him 73-72.
Zimbabwe expected a lot from their three top golfers, but they failed to deliver the goods. After the first round whitewash by Ireland. McNulty and Johnstone did try to make amends by winning their next two games.
Unfortunately Price couldn’t even manage that. The trio will be in Zimbabwe next month for the Zimbabwe Open.
Peter Tanyanyiwa