Zimpapers Logo

THE BIG ONE . . . Zimbabwe Open organising committee chairman Livingstone Gwata addresses guests at the launch of the 2015 edition of the country’s premier golf tournament in Harare yesterday

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE purse for this year’s Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open has remained pegged at R1.8 million and the country’s premier golf tournament will run on the same days as the iconic Masters at Augusta National in the United States.

The Zimbabwe Open tees off at Royal Harare next Thursday.

Tournament organising committee chairman Livingstone Gwata revealed yesterday there would be no increase in the purse for the tourney this year.

A total of 156 golfers, the bulk of them from South Africa, are expected to converge at Royal Harare for the showdown in one of the most prestigious events on the Sunshine Tour.

“Most of you will agree with me that the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open has been run as the most successful sporting event in this country,” Gwata said yesterday.

“Our current title sponsors, Golden Pilsener, have successfully sponsored the event with their partners from 2012 through to 2015 and we are looking forward to another successful event.

“We are most grateful to our sponsors who have committed their premier brand to our premier tournament.”

The pre-qualifiers for the tournament will be held on Monday at Royal Harare with 56 entries expected. Delta Beverages marketing executive Irimayi Muzorewa told guests the tournament has grown from strength to strength.

Meanwhile, seasoned golfer Tongo Charamba will go into today’s second and final round of the pre-Open Classic in pole position at Royal Harare.

Charamba fired a three-under par 69 for a one-stroke lead.

Jake Allard of Bulawayo was the best placed amateur in the field and was just a stroke behind Charamba.