-150 golfers to grace the tourney
IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
The Lowveld Pro-Am Golf Tournament which is on the Zimbabwe Golf Association calendar is back this year after being on break for a number of years.
The much anticipated tournament will be held from Friday to Sunday (1-3 March), with professional golfers playing for three days and amateurs for only two days.
Tongaat Hullet head of corporate and industry affairs, Dr Dahlia Garwe told The Midweek Watch that they are looking forward to a successful tournament which they are sponsoring for the first time in as many years.
“The tournament was initially introduced back in 2011. However, due to competing interests, it was suspended a few years later.
“We have revived the tournament and intend to hold the Lowveld Pro-Am Golf Tournament annually with effect from this year and some 150 players are expected to participate in this year’s event,” said Dr Garwe.
Some of the proceeds will go to charity and the development of the sport at grassroots level, added Dr Garwe.
“The intention is to refurbish clinics in the area. But we also intend to use some of the funds for junior golf development,” she said.
Masvingo Province Golf Union (MPGU) vice president, Peter Nyaruwata said they are excited that Tongaat Hullet has bounced back to sponsor the prestigious tournament.
Nyaruwata said registration will be closed tomorrow for those who want to participate over the weekend and the draw will be conducted soon after, while on Thursday the draw will be published.
“The tournament is primarily being run by ZGA and as MPGU we will ensure that the grounds are up to standard. ZGA will bring their own professional referees and tournament organisers.
“For the amateurs there is US$3 000 set aside for the prizes and the professional golfers will share US$60 000 at stake,” said Nyaruwata.
Lowveld businesses are expecting brisk business during the three day tournament beginning Thursday as some players will be travelling from as far as Hwange, Harare, Bindura and Kariba.
“It is good for linkages with other business executives from all over the country and a lot of money will be changing hands during the prestigious tournament and we are ready for them.
“We are more than ready to host the business executives and their associates, it is an opportunity to mix and mingle while talking business. We extend our gratitude to Tongaat Hullet for sponsoring such an important event in the lowveld,” said Venancio Kurauone, Chiredzi based Masvingo SMEs chairman.
