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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Acting Sports Editor
ORGANISERS of the 2017 edition of the annual Hwange Open Golf tournament that tees off on Friday are excited about the return to the course of professionals, having missed last year’s event due to sponsorship issues.

Set to be played amid sweltering heat, the competition gets underway with the pro-am on Friday while the various divisions take to the greens on Saturday.

“The course is in a perfect condition for the players to enjoy their game as a lot of work has been put in the build up to the tournament.

“On Friday, amateurs will get an opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals and all that is adding to the excitement that is already building ahead of putting,” said Hwange Colliery Company’s corporate affairs manager Rugare Dhobhie.

She said the tournament will be played under the stroke play format.

“There is also lots of interest to support the tournament from Hwange Colliery Company’s corporate partners and its refreshing to note that professionals are returning to our fairways this time around,” said Dhobhie.

A number of amateurs from the Matabeleland Golf Society which covers Elephant Hills, Harry Allen, Bulawayo Country Club and the country’s oldest golf club, Bulawayo Golf Club, are expected to be in Hwange over the weekend.

TV personality Gary Thompson won the last version of the tournament in 2015 when professionals attended and will be the man to beat if he attends this time around.

Harare Country Club amateur golfer Never Milazi won the 2016 Hwange Open Golf champion after grossing 234 points in a taxing three rounds (54 holes) while Elephant Hills’ Josphat Phiri was second with 238 points and Liberty Gumisa third.

Hwange Colliery Club managing director who is also the Hwange Golf Club president Thomas  Makore was victorious in the C Division with 196 points, while Lazarus Machiwana beat Godfrey Nyoni to second place on count back after both golfers were tied on 198 points.

Gweru golfer Stella Feldman was crowned the ladies (Gold Division) champion with a score of 177 points, relegating Hwange ladies captain Matron Mguni to second place with 184 points.

Teenage golfer Mphenduko Sibanda claimed third spot with 194 points.

Prisca Chimukoko clinched the ladies’ Bronze Division with 204 points, with Virginia Mabhena coming second on 207 points  and former champion Colleta Mhonda settling   for third place with 208 points.

@skhumoyo2000