eBusiness Weekly
Mugove Chigada
South African Jared Harvey’s maiden Sunshine Tour victory could be encouragement to Zimbabwean golfers that anything is possible.
After starting well at the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Zimbali Country Club, the South African golfer managed to maintain his lead, getting a final round one-under par 71 to win. Zimbabweans Mark Williams and Mohammad Rauf Mandhu did not do too well at the same tournament.
And the two were again on the course at the Fish River Challenge tournament at Fisher River Sun Country Club this week. Harvey gives the impression, it is never easy at that level. And it is interesting how he managed the pressure to keep the lead.
“With a seven-shot lead, I thought anything under-par would do it but my goal for the day, at least, was to shoot two-under. I got off to a great start, made some hell-of-a good putts again and I was four-under through eight and in absolute cruise control,” Harvey was quoted by Sunshine Tour as saying.
At that level, many choke. Harvey “crossed the line”. Zimbabwe team of top Amateurs at the All Africa Golf championships may need that composure if they are to beat defending champions South Africa.
The championships will be in Victoria Falls, at Elephant Hills, from 8 to 14 October. Preparations for the championships are said to be going on well. Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) secretary general Lazarus Clever confirmed this week that the technical committee had visited Elephant Hills for course inspection.
“They have advised on areas to improve. M. Mahachi the chair of Zim Open technical committee visited Elephant Hills for course inspection. “Report has been that the course is very playable and few areas need improvement. And ZGA will give out its green keeping equipment to the golf course,” he said.
Clever added that the technical team will appoint a team of six for the championships. There will be four players, a coach and official. David Amm is already guaranteed a place in the team while announcement of the team is expected to be done at a press conference where official sponsors will also be unveiled.
Given that the selectors have been considering form instead of Order of Merit, it will be interesting who else will join Amm. Among other favourites to make the team are Tafara Mpofu who is in good form and Tatenda Makunde.
This month attention will be at the Hillside Masters for the Amateurs, a tournament that is certain to give good preparation for some of the members of the Zimbabwe team.
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