Zim professional golfers exposed

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE professional golfers’ lack of exposure to international tournaments was laid bare at the just-ended premier golf tournament, the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open held at Royal Harare Golf Club.
Sunshine tour spokesman Tendayi Gwatiringa said the disastrous show by Zimbabweans must come to an end.
“It’s the lack of exposure at that level. We all could see the difference in class and this is why the tour is encouraging the corporate world to come on board so that we have as many international tournaments like these as possible,” he said.

Gwatiringa said it was no surprise that Scot Vincent did far better than all but one because the US-based youngster is exposed to many tournaments in the States.
Only one local professional golfer Tongoona Charamba of Chapman Golf Club managed to make it into the top 10, with a total score of 279 for a nine under par finish although it was still way behind what the eventual winner Jbe Kruger of Serengeti Golf Club in South Africa, scored on his way to victory.

The South African had a total of 270 for an 18-under par victory.
With Zimbabwe fielding 34 professional and amateur players, young Scot Vincent, based in the United States, was the second best placed Zimbabwean, coming out position 21 out of a field of 156 with a score of seven under par while the next Zimbabwean professional was Ryan Cairns who came 63rd with a rather low score of seven over par.

It was even worse for Bulawayo-based professionals with the best placed city boy, Peter Banda of Bulawayo Golf Club, ending the weekend on position 129 following his total score of 154 for a 10 over par finish.

He together with his clubmates, Brian Gondo, Phillip Tshuma and Jack Allard failed to make the cut after two rounds.