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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HWANGE Golf Course is in fantastic condition ahead of the annual Kamandama Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday. By yesterday, a strong field of 80 amateur golfers had confirmed their participation with club captain Vumi Moyo telling Chronicle Sport that the figure is expected to go up to 100 as they were also expecting golfers from their sister club in Livingstone, Zambia.

“Not necessarily bragging, our course is in an exceptional condition such that even the great Tiger Woods would enjoy his day here, we are ready to play host to a strong field on Saturday,” said Moyo.

The golfing day is part of Hwange Colliery Company’s fundraising drive for the widows and orphans of the 427 miners who perished on that unforgettable Monday morning of June 6, 1972 following an explosion at the Kamandama underground mine.

The company also pledged, three years ago, to build a lecture room at Lupane State University from some of the proceeds of the tournament.

Golfers from all over the country and across the borders will descend on the coal mining town tomorrow ahead of teeing off which captain Moyo said would be at around 8AM on Saturday.

Local golfer Stephen Zero Simukai, set to turn professional soon and who recently won the inaugural Mashonaland West Golfers Union (Mawegu) tournament and the Roland Park Open in Zvishavane, will be the one to watch.

Thomas Coulter Primary School student Keith Banda, at handicap 10 and arguably the best young golfing talent in the province at the moment, is also set to give a good account of himself.

The coal mining company’s corporate affairs manager Burzil Dube, company secretary Thembelani Ncube and the newly appointed colliery managing director Thomas Makore, are some of the golfers expected to tee off on Saturday.

The draw was expected to be done last night.