Open Classic tees off

The fourth Golden Pilsener Zambezi Tour tournament has a strong field that includes six internationals and seven top local amateurs.
Of the 56 professionals playing, three players — Michael Chiluba, Obert Sholoma and Patrick Mwendapole — are regular players on the Zambezi Tour and will be coming from Zambia.

Three other players will be coming from South Africa and they are Alpheus Kelaphile, Mark Williams and Thanda Mavhundla who finished tied 17th at the Marange Open last month.

Scott Vincent, who is based in the United States, but is back home on vacation until August, will be part of the field. The amateurs to take part are Clive Nguru, Christian Mbanga, Travis Smith, Grant Hudson, Bradley Hudson, Vincent and Ben Follet-Smith. Zambezi Tour marketing and communications director, Tendayi “TG” Gwatiringa, is hopeful that the tourney will be highly competitive.

“As at close of registration, we had 63 players registered to play in the Open Classic scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. 
“The competition will be held over 36 holes and begins on Friday morning and will be completed on Saturday.
“All preparations are on track and of late Chapman Golf Club has been abuzz with activity as several professionals are being seen on the practice range sharpening their game,” said Gwatiringa.

Greg Bentley, who won the last tournament in Mutare, is confident that he will play well.
“I am just focused and I have played several rounds at the course before the tournament.

“If I can manage to chip and putt well I believe my game will go on well. There is a lot of challenge and I will not read much into the last event, which I won,” said Bentley.