The second edition of the First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open reflects the continued growth of the event after 61 players from eight different countries registered to take part in the competition which tees off in earnest at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club today.
After kicking off with the official opening ceremony and flag-raising event yesterday, the high-profile tournament which carries World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points tees off this morning.
The tournament will be played over 54-holes of stroke-play for both the boys’ and girls’ categories.
A total of 49 boys and 12 girls from South Africa, China, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe will take to the tee box in search of top honours.
Tournament director Hilary Kaseke was pleased with the growth of the tournament which is only in its second year.
“The preparations have been very good. We have had a very good turnout in terms of our entries. We have 61 players from eight different countries, including Zimbabwe, so it’s quite good and bigger than it was last year,” Kaseke told NewsDay Sport.
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“The field is quite strong and our strongest player from the boys plays off a plus 5.3 handicap index and from the girls it’s a plus 3.6, so that’s quite good. I think in total we have about 18 players playing off a plus handicap index, so it’s a competitive and quality field
“We appreciate the support that we get from First Capital Bank and they have committed to supporting junior golf following up on what they did last year. We are very happy and grateful for this sponsorship.
“We would like to see this tournament grow and be the elite junior event in Africa. We want it to become the Africa Junior Golf Open in future,” Kaseke added.
First Capital Bank has poured in a massive US$20 000 sponsorship package for the competition this time around.
One of South Africa’s most promising amateurs, Dylan Kayne, who won the Milnerton Junior Championship last month is tipped to win the tournament.
But he faces stiff challenge from compatriots Marno Lange, Ryan Melville, Devon Valentine and Ethan Fichardt, among others.
Top Zimbabwean junior golfer Keegan Shutt will be fancying his chances on home conditions after finishing third in the inaugural competition last year.
Tawana Mangoma, Braydon Amm, Connor Lashbrook, Darlington Chikanyambidze and Tanaka Chatora are also expected to fly the country’s flag with distinction.
Miriam Masiya carries the country’s hopes in the girls class, but will have to be at her best to upstage highly-rated South African golfers Ellandri van Heerden and Charlotte Millard.