Zim Open dates proposed

Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Open Golf tournament is likely to be held at its traditional home, Royal Harare Golf Club, from April 17-20, the organisers have proposed.
The Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event, which brings together both local and Southern Africa’s finest golfers, is by far the highlight of the domestic calendar.

Proposals have been made for the 2014 Zimbabwe Open to be held from Thursday April 17 to Sunday April 20.
The pre-qualifying tournament and the traditional Pro-Am will be held during this period, culminating in the big tournament during the last four days of the week.

The organisers have decided to stick to the April dates after the success of last year’s tournament which saw about 146 players taking part.
The organisers also considered that local courses are in their best condition in April.

Delta Beverages, through their Golden Pilsner brand, bankrolled last year’s tournament with a total sponsorship package of US$550 000, inclusive of the R1,2 million prize money.

The tournament was won by South Africa’s Jack Roos who became the fourth straight golfer from his country to win the tourney since it was revived in 2010.

Ryan Cairns was the highest-placed Zimbabwean professional after finishing in a tie for seventh place.
Local professionals have found the going tough.