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Takudzwa Chitsiga and Davison Bhunu

SHERWOOD Country Club could go the same way as Gleneagles and Harare South golf clubs amid reports residential stands are being allocated at the Mabelreign club.

Formed in 1961, Sherwood has since closed its doors with the current committee reportedly demarcating residential stands within the course.

Visiting the once sprawling golf course, one is pained by its current state as there is a single bar attendant, Mrs Dalgano, and the general manager, who referred all questions to chairman Bricks Bhomba.

Unlike at Ruwa Country Club and Mt Pleasant Golf Cub, where the process is being done in orderly manner, it appears the Sherwood leadership have chosen a chaotic approach.

Sherwood used to be home to more than 100 golf members just two years ago and competed in the Harare Province Golf League.

But, a new executive, reportedly conniving with some Harare City Council management, have decided to erase the club from the map.

Reports say that, at least 10 residential stands already have been offered by the City of Harare have refuted the claims, saying they respected sporting facilities.

“Harare City Council has not sanctioned construction of houses on Sherwood Golf Course.

“The people building houses on the golf course are using fake offer letters. The City of Harare is for the preservation of sporting facilities and wetlands,” Harare City Council said.

Residents in the area are divided over the issue with some giving the operation the thumbs-up as they argue that the club is now used as a breeding ground of thieves because it is no longer used or maintained.

Gleneagles Golf Club was the first club to be affected.

The club, established in 1960, produced top players like Lewis Chitengwa, Emerson Chitakatira and Morgan Shumba.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s highest-ranked professional golfer, Scott Vincent, and Mark Williams, made the cut at the Singapore Open and the Eye of Africa PGA Championship.

Vincent was taking part in the first tournament of the Asian Tour and started brightly as he went on to finish on one-over after the four rounds on Sunday.

The former Chapman Golf Club member remained in contention in the event that had US$1 million purse after he opened up with a one-under 70, which he followed with a three-under 69 to make the cut yesterday.

In the third round Vincent carded level-par 72 and closed with two-over 74 on Sunday for a total one-over-par overall to pocket US$5 670.

The SMBC Singapore Open was won by seasoned campaigner Matt Kuchar, who saw off competition from former world number one Briton Justin Rose.

In the Sunshine Tour, Williams continued with his fine form as he made his second successive cut at the Eye of Africa.

The Zimbabwean had rounds of 70, 67, 76 and 70 to tie for position 35th with South Africans — Jacques Blaauw and Lean-Paul Strydom — and Irishman Gavin Moyniham.

For his efforts Williams went home R17 500 richer.