Online Reporter
Tendai Chara-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MUNYARADZI Sithole defended his Mashwede Classic title at Falcon Golf Club in Harare over the weekend after a tense play-off with South Africa’s Matthew Mortimer.
The pair were tied at the top at the end of 54 holes.
Sithole, who is honing his skills at Falcon, took advantage of course knowledge to post a combined score of 223 to defend the title that he also won last year.
On the first day, the 35-year-old posted rounds of 77 and 73 before 75 on Sunday.
On the other hand, Mortimer, a resident golfer at South Africa’s Royal Johannesburg, also had a gross score of 223 after posting rounds of 76, 77 and 72.
The pair then engaged in a gruelling play-off on two occasions on the 18th hole.
Buoyed by the win, Sithole immediately announced that he is going to turn professional early next year.
“I am now ready for the big boys. Today’s win is a clear testimony of my capabilities to stand my ground against professional players,” Sithole said.
Last year, Sithole grossed a total score of 232.
A total of 85 golfers took part in the classic, among them 12 professionals.
In the ladies’ section, Miriam Masiya also defended her title, with impressive scores of 74, 79 and 77.
The Mashwede Classic, which is being used as a platform to expose emerging talent, is ranked on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
