ZGA to include female golfers in national tournaments

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) will, for the first time, include female golfers in national tournaments so as to enhance their chances on the World Amatuer Golf Ranking (WAGR).

The development was announced by Tirivashe Nheweyembwa, the Zimbabwe Golf Association administrator.

The association will begin the season with the Dugmore Trophy at Bulawayo Golf Club on January 21 and 22.

“For the first time in our history, we are going to have both male and female golfers playing the same tournaments that are lined-up for this year.

“This is in sync with one of our values which is ‘inclusivity’ and it gives the female golfers an opportunity to be on the World Amatuer Golf Ranking (WAGR) if they win any of the tournaments with an overall score of eight-over or better.

“So far, we have 10 male golfers who are ranked and it is our desire to ensure that we have more players as this will increase our chances of making it to the World Amateur Team Championship to be held in October in the United Arab Emirates.

“Another development this year is that all the tournaments are going to be played on the World Handicapping System (WHS) using the HNA platform wherein the players will be able to enter their scores on each hole. This will enable those who may not be following them physically to do so virtually,” said Nheweyembwa.

The veteran administrator said they are looking forward to a good season after they managed to fulfil all the tournaments last year.

“We are looking forward to an exciting year after they managed to fulfil all the tournaments last season.

“This is going to be an exciting year given that in 2022 all the tournaments were played as scheduled without any disturbances and we are happy that most of the players were able to participate in them,” he added.