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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
YOUNG golfer, Michael Wallace successfully defended the Dugmore and Fellowship title while female counterpart, Tracy Humbira won the inaugural women’s championship of the decorated golf tournament which concluded at Bulawayo Golf Club yesterday.
Wallace from Royal Harare Golf Club reigned supreme once again at the tournament that officially opened Zimbabwe Golf Association’s (ZGA) amateur league. He finished with a gross total of 214 points and -2 under par while his female counterpart, Humbira also from the same club finished with 247 points and 31 over par.
Wallace, who finished with round scores of 73, 70 and 71 as he edged last year’s runner up, Matthew Williams from Bulawayo Golf Club. Williams, a former first class cricketer and young brother Zimbabwe Test cricket captain Sean finished with a gross total of 216 and 0 under par after recording round scores of 75, 71 and 70 to fall short, to the same opponent for the second year running.
With this year’s event being the first one to feature both men and women, Humbira event said it was a good experience for them (other female players), promising to be one of the best female golfers in the world. Prior to the event, she had won other tournaments which were for females only. The 20-year-old Humbira finished with round scores of 92, 80 and 75 to be crowned champion.
“It was very challenging and interesting and a very good experience for us ladies as it was the first time us (women) playing with men and the competition was real but we enjoyed it. I am promising to be one of the best ladies’ golfers in the world,” said Humbira.
The 18-year-old Wallace, who had his father as a caddy felt that winning the prestigious event is an amazing feat and having his dad by his side was a big boost to his performance that saw him emerge as winner.
“It feels really good, coming back out here. Having him (father) on the side was good motivation, keeping me level headed. I know that there is someone there that knows my game the most so it feels really good to have him,” said Wallace.
The tournament contributes to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
Royal and Ancient Africa golf development officer Eden Thompson who is in Zimbabwe on a working visit witnessed the action over the two days at BGC.
Wallace is set to play in Pretoria South Africa next week before returning to Zimbabwe just for four days before he heads back across the Limpopo River where he will take part in the Africa Amateur, which is one of the biggest tournaments in the amateur golf calendar and will be held at Leopard Creek Country Club in Mpumalanga.
The next event on ZGA’s men amateur calendar for the year is the South African Swing tournament scheduled for Leopard Creek and Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu Nataal. — @brandon_malvin
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