By Tendai Chisiri
Due to limited filed in the FBC Zim Open Golf Championship, 5 spots will be reserved from the Amateur golfers in the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) although more top golfers will be expected to compete because of the increase in prize money.
In 2010 the tournament was resuscitated at R1.5 million prize money and in the recent years has been pegged at R 2million with this year the winner pocketing fetching R2.2million. The event has been pumped US$150 000.
Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship is ranked among the top 3 on the Sunshine tour according to the Zimbabwe Open Golf Committee chairman. Speaking at the launch in April month at Harare Royal Golf Club, the chairman Livingstone Gwata said the tournament will be hosted by Royal Harare Golf Club exclusively. “Unlike last year where the tournament had been at two venues, here and Chapman Golf Club, this edition will be hosted here only”‘.
“156 golfers are the starting filed and will battle it out in the 1st and 2nd rounds for the best 66 who will proceed to the 3rd and 4th rounds to be played on Saturday and Sunday”, he said. The tournament will start on 4 May and end on 7 May.
ZGA chairman Martin Chikwana at the same event said top foreign golfers are expected to compete in the tournament and also foreign media coverage will be available. “This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better. We need to appreciate the sponsors’ support.
Reigning champion South African Albert Venter who won his maiden victory in the Sunshine Tour will be at the 2023 tournament to defend his title.
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