THE Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) has expressed delight over the successful return of the Tongaat Hulett Lowveld ProAm which was co-hosted by Triangle Limited and Hippo Valley Estate over the weekend.
David Amm, who turned professional late last year, won the competition after he shrugged off a challenge from 57 other golfers as he shot an impressive 13-under par score in three rounds.
Overnight leader, going into the final round Pride Sembo was one stroke behind Amm in the end, while Zambian Sydney Wemba who led after the first day was a distant third after finishing on 6-under.
The event, making a return to the local scene after about a decade of absence, was organised by ZGA and saw over 130 golfers, 58 of them professionals, taking part.
ZGA president Martin Chikwanha was pleased by the tournamen’s success.
“It has exceeded our expectations. We were hoping to have just a tournament but we didn’t realize that we could have such a big event. What has impressed me most is the turnout by our professionals. I think this is the biggest turn out in a collection of professional that we have had in a long time. We had 63 entries initially and 58 pitched up and that speaks to the idea that given the resources, it can be bigger. We are quite excited that this event has come and has exceeded all expectations,” he said at the end of the event.
“Events like this cannot go on without the backing of the sponsors. If you look around the number of sponsors that have come together, it’s like like-minded people realising that they can play a part in making sure that our sport gets to the next level so we do appreciate all these guys. I am hoping that those who are not here will find an opportunity in the future to also come and join us in such an event,”Chikwanha added.
The Lowveld ProAm was first held in 2011 before it disappeared a couple of years later, only to bounce back this year.
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A sponsorship package of over US$60 000 was availed for the event and the winner of the pro competition bagged US$10 000 for his effort, while the runner-up pocketed US$5 000.
Thirty professional golfers received a share of the prize fund.
Outgoing Triangle Limited and Hippo Valley Estates chief executive officer and managing director Aiden Mhere was also happy with the return of the event.
“It’s a momentous occasion for me in particular because myself and others years back thought it was wise to try and bring the sport here to the Lowveld. And since then I think the fruits of those efforts are evident,” he said.
“I would like to thank the directors of Triangle and Hippo Valley Estates in Particular for allowing us during difficult times like this to once again resuscitate this event. It’s a very emotional for me because I thought it’s a useful thing to have this tournament back on the calendar before I leave so that we can only build on it going into the future.”
