Zimpapers Logo

Takudzwa Chitsiga, Sports Reporter
THE South African duo of Louis de Jager and Mark Murless took the opening day honours at the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open golf tournament which got underway at Royal Harare yesterday.

Both players teed off in the morning field and set the pace for the rest with their 65s.

Murless only needed 22 putts on the day to top the leaderboard.

“I got off to a slow start but, on the back nine, we set it alight a little. I putted really well, you know 22 putts is probably my record so I’m really happy with that,” said Murless.

Murless will continue his hunt this afternoon when he plays alongside Zimbabwean Mark Williams and James Kamte of South Africa with the trio teeing off at 12:39pm.

De Jager had a solid display on his back nine.

“I started well, making four birdies going out, and I just kept going on the next nine,” said De Jager.

Vaughn Groenewald, Merrick Bremner and Ruan de Smidt opened their accounts with five-under-par 67, to share third place.

For the locals, teenage golfer David Amm played well yesterday.

The 16-year-old Chapman amateur was among three Zimbabweans who had a two-under-par 70 after yesterday’s round.

Amm was tied with Marc Cayuex, back in the hunt after that horrible injury, and Wiliams.

“I did play well today as I managed a birdie on the second hole which I followed with a couple of pars and that got me going,” said Amm.

“I will try and do the same tomorrow (today) and this year it is looking better as I did not have any pressure of playing the pre-qualifiers after I got exempted through the Zimbabwe Golf association.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow’s round and hoping to continue playing well.”

Seasoned campaigner Ryan Cairns had a fair day as he carded a one-under 71 to go into today’s round.

Trainos Muradzikwa, Garry Thompson and Kieren Vincent were on one-over with Nyasha Muyambo on two over.