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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
BEN Follet-Smith took the National Aids Council Pro-Am Golf Day lead after yesterday’s first round at Royal Harare. The Pro-Am was played on the day the Zimbabwe All-Africa Golf Challenge team announced they had found a title sponsor, FBC Bank, to help them prepare for the ninth edition of the continental golf showcase.

The event will be held at the Elephant Hills Golf Club. Follet-Smith, who turned professional two weeks ago, is likely to make an huge impact in his debut season as a pro. A former Mississippi State University student, he has competed in three events in the 2016-17 season with a season-low score of 70 at Sam Hall and finished tied 22nd at the US Individual. The former Wingate player is a past winner of the 2012 All-Africa Junior Championship and represented the country in the All-Africa Team Championships.

The 23-year-old carded an eight-under yesterday to take the lead going into today second round which will see the top 25 players making the cut. In second place is Bulawayo Golf Club’s Brian Gondo who shot a 66. Gondo played alongside Robson Chinhoi and Davison Elijah

“I played well today (yesterday) and I hope to continue from there. I had good strikes off the tee and my putting was brilliant and I managed to maintain the ball on the fairways. My aim is to keep doing well and I believe I will make it. The course is playing well and there were very low rounds which shows that competition is tough,” said Gondo.

Three players were tied in fifth place – Garry Thompson, Zambian professional golfer Madalitso Muthiya and Trainos Muradzikwa who scored five-under 67. Steven Ferreira, fresh from wining the Uganda Open, finished on two-under 70. Ryan Cairns and Simon Katembenuka were on level par.  Anywhere Katembenuka, Kyaam Mandhuand Thembelani Vundhla were also on level par.