Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo,[email protected]
THE 2024 FBC Zimbabwe Open, the country’s most prominent golf event, is set to begin on Monday at the Royal Harare Golf Club.
Title sponsor FBC Bank has raised the sponsorship package for the event from R2,2 million to R2,5 million, making it one of the top three events on the Sunshine Tour.
Over 140 players, including some of the biggest names in African and international golf, are set to compete, with a strong contingent of 35 Zimbabwean players.
Zimbabwean golfers Kieran and Scott Vincent are expected to draw huge crowds, while past winners like Albert Venter, JC Ritchie and Jbe Kruger are also in the field.
The last Zimbabwean to win the tournament was Nick Price in 1998.
Scott and Kieran, who are currently competing in the multi-million dollar LIV Golf Tour, will be joined by past ZANACO Masters champion Robson Chinhoi, as well as seasoned campaigners Ben Follet-Smith and Stuart Krog, who regularly compete on the Asian and Sunshine Tours.
Tournament director Michael Mahachi believes the participation of prominent golfers significantly increases the chances of a Zimbabwean victory.
“The major highlight is the strong contingent of Zimbabweans who are all playing at the biggest stage. We have the likes of Kieran Vincent and his brother, Scott Vincent.
They are a huge draw card because of the level they are playing at, creating a prospect for a Zimbabwean winner for the first time in years if they bring their A game,” said Mahachi.
Mahachi assured fans that everything is in place for a successful event.
“There are good players coming in and there will be a strong field. The tournament has attracted a lot of interest, more than we have in the past, which is a sign of growth. It goes on to show the interest that the event has created among players, not only the upcoming, but also the established.
“We are very much advanced with our preparations, so far so good. We have a day before we start with the tournament qualifier so it’s all set, our partners are ready.
Preparing the course is a process, but we are pleased with the work that Royal Harare has put in,” said Mahachi.
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana said it is interesting to see the biggest names in Zimbabwean golf competing in the tournament.
“It’s all systems go; people are hard at work to make sure all is in place. The staff at Royal Harare say everything is on schedule and players have started their practice rounds. We have qualifiers on Sunday where there are places up for grabs with amateurs also having a go at it.
“All our top professionals are in the field. We have the likes of Ben Follet-Smith, Robson Chinhoi, Kieran Vincent and Scott Vincent all in the field. Scott is in Singapore and is scheduled to fly back home in time for the Zimbabwe Open,” said Chikwana.
Three Zimbabwe teenage golfers Keegan Shutt, Tanaka Chatora and Matthew Bramford are also set to compete in the Open.
The trio qualified for the event through the amateur entry which also saw other young Zimbabwean golfers Lloyd Dube from Gweru and Innocent Mukumba also making it.
This year’s edition will see several world-class players like 2011 winner Darren Fitchard featuring alongside his son Devon, who finished fifth at the recently held First Capital Junior Championships at the weekend.
The Fitchards will have full exemptions at the tournament with Darren being a five-time Sunshine Tour winner, who is also playing in the DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour. — @brandon_malvin
Sidumisile Mabena