Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN professional golfer Kieran Vincent felt so much love when he returned home for the FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship at the weekend.
Vincent was the best-placed local golfer after he finished tied for position nine after the four rounds.
He said he was happy with the support he got from local supporters.
Despite drawing massive crowds with a spirited comeback effort, his final-round two-under-par left him in a three-way tie for ninth place at 10-under-par overall.
“I feel very happy with the support I got back home and it was amazing. The support was overwhelming, and I am thankful to all who supported me throughout the four rounds,” said Vincent.
“The tournament went on well, and I had full support from my family, which gave me so much confidence. The situation was amazing, and I enjoyed myself playing at home with all the support.”
The Zimbabwean had massive rounds of 7, 70, 65 and 71 for a total of 10-under-par and was tied with South African Ruan Korb and Frenchman, Benjamin Kedochim.
The tournament was won by Altin van der Merwe, who carded a 21-under-par
Van der Merwe entered the final day with a four-shot cushion, and the 29-year-old maintained his composure to secure his first-ever win on the Sunshine Tour.
The victory marked the end of a patient two-year journey since joining the professional ranks, and he said he was very happy with the win.
“I am delighted,” van der Merwe said.
“Everybody in my family has been telling me it’s going to come. It’s been two years since I turned pro, and I was wondering when it would happen. I just kept fighting and stayed in the moment. The result speaks for itself.”
Australian Austin Bautista finished as runner-up for the second consecutive year, carding a 68 to end at 17-under-par.
South Africa’s Kyle Barker secured third place at 15-under-par following a final-round 70, while Tyran Snyders recorded the round of the day with a blistering seven-under-par 65 to climb into fourth place at 14-under-par.
A total of five players managed to make the cut, with Robson Chinhoi finishing on position 37 as Visitor Mapwanya was one shot behind on one-under.
Darlington Chikayambidze and Michael Wallace were tied on position 58 after four-over-par.
