Zim Open tees of tomorrow

The organisers of the event said it’s all systems go and they are ready for the tournament to get under way.

“The title sponsor is Golden Pilsener, as Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe joins Zimplats and Innscor Africa as associate sponsors while Jaguar and FBC are the anchor sponsors,” the organisers said in a statement.

“South Africa Airways remains a partner of the Open along with Schweppes, who are providing the official water for the tournament.
“A pre-qualifying tournament was held at Chapman Golf Club on Sunday and six local players, including 16-year-old Peterhouse student Tanaka Mhere, made it through and will join in for the first two rounds.

“A total of 156 professionals from different tours around the world, as well as qualifying amateurs, are expected to take to the fairways for the coveted and prestigious Zimbabwe Open title.

“Out of the 156 professionals that will take part, 114 were automatic entries from the Sunshine Tour and the top 16 golfers on the local Golden Pilsener Zambezi Tour are also automatic entries to the tournament. “The remaining 26 slots were determined by the pre-qualifiers and invitations that were extended at the discretion of Zimbabwe Open Golf Committee.”

With an increase in the prize fund, this year’s event will be competitive and several amateurs will have a chance to play with some of the best players on the continent.
“The prize fund was increased to R1,65 million, representing a 10 percent increase from R1,5 million from last year. Since its return after a nine-year absence, the Zimbabwe

Open has grown from strength to strength,” the organisers said.
“The players took part in the first Pro-Am yesterday and they will continue this morning at the host course Royal Harare Golf Club.

“This year’s tournament is expected to have a very competitive line-up as it is being held at a time when there are no key events in major tours such as the Asian and European tours.”

Recent winners, including Jbe’ Kruger (2010), Theunis Spangenberg (2011) and Chris Swanepoel (2012), all from South Africa, are expected in Harare for the tournament.
Besides the financial windfall that comes with this tournament, top players on the Sunshine Tour are expected to troop in as they know that the pot is considerably sweetened by the ranking points that are available.