After the first two rounds, the field was restricted to the top 71 players who had made the cut and it is pleasing to report that we had seven Zimbabwean players making it.
These players were Micky Hough, Shane Pringle, Jason Jackson, Robson Saurombe, Mohammed Mandhu, “TC” (Tongo) Charamba and Ryan Cairns. Compared to the previous year, it is commendable that there was an increase in the number of local players who made the cut.
Various analysts have placed this credit on the local Zambezi Tour for increasing competition experience. The Championship itself proved to be a very exciting event after two players, namely Chris Swanepoel and Trevor Fisher Jnr, were tied on 15 under par gross 273 after four rounds.
As a result — to decide the winner — the two players had to go for a sudden death play-off which was won by Chris Swanepoel off the 18th hole. The first trip saw both players make pars, but on the second Fisher went left and into the trees with his tee-shot. Swanepoel made the green in regulation and put his birdie putt just a foot past the hole. Fisher, putting for par for 15 feet, failed to box the long putt, which left Chris with a tap-in for victory. The crowd, which had now gathered at the 18th green, went into a frenzy as the sudden death play-off had certainly created an exciting atmosphere.
Leading Zimbabwean of the tournament was “TC” Charamba who eventually finished in joint 21st position after shooting rounds of 72, 72, 72 and 70. It was evident that the long hours of practise that Tongo put in, in preparation of the tournament, paid off.
As for the course, Royal Harare was in pristine condition and all credit must go to the management and staff of the club for having worked extra hard to get the course in such good condition. It was pleasing to hear very positive feedback from all players. The eventual winner Chris Swanepoel had this to say: “It’s a fantastic feeling. I love playing out here on this fantastic course – it has a lovely layout…….”
Ulrich van den Berg, who finished joint ninth on a gross 283 (five under), was full of praise for the course and in particular commended the Zimbabwe Open Committee for the high level of professionalism exhibited in running the tournament. It must be noted that since the event, the Tournament Director for the Zimbabwe Open Committee, Michael Mahachi has been inundated with letters and emails from various stakeholders, commending the team for a job well done.
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While accolades continue to pour in, particular mention must be made for the fantastic sponsorship that was availed by Delta under their Golden Pilsener Brand. Special thanks must also go to various partners and sponsors that contributed to making the event the success it was.
It is interesting to note that following the huge success of the event, several corporates have expressed an interest and would like to be part of the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe open going forward.
It is envisaged that the 2013 edition of the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open will be even bigger and better as preparations for this event have already started in earnest.
