AFTER missing some of the major tournaments in the country this year due to injury he sustained in the Africa Open Championships in South Africa last year, Bulawayo Golf Club professional Brian Gondo says he is happy to have emerged as the runner-up in the Hwange Open tournament. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The tournament, which began on Friday and ended at Hwange Golf Club on Sunday, was won by Musiwalo Nethunzwi of Modderfontein Golf Club in South Africa.
On completion of the 54 holes both Gondo and Nethunzwi finished on one over par and proceeded to a sudden death play-off on hole number five.
According to Zambezi Tours, Gondo proceeded to place his second shot in the greenside bunker. From the bunker, Gondo left his ball approximately a metre from the hole and was waiting to make par.
The match was, however, sealed as Nethunzwi made a birdie from about three metres.
Gondo spoke to Southern Eye Sport about his performance in this year’s competition.
“I am a bit disappointed that I did not win the competition. The competition was OK. I lost it at play-off. But overally, it went down very well,” he said.
“I had the chance to win the competition in regulation time, but I was two shots behind. I am happy and not regretting.
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“I wasn’t well, so I think that contributed to how I performed,” he said.
Gondo said he had to miss some competitions as he did not want to strain his hand.
“I withdrew in some competitions like the Econet pro-am that was held in Harare,” he said.
“I haven’t been playing much because of the injury I had to choose tournaments to participate in because I did not want to strain my hand. The other reason why I performed well is because I need a strong finish on the national order of merit this year.
“I will start practising for the Harare Open that will be held next month,” he said.
Nethunzwi took home $3 000 while Gondo, a former Hwange Open champion, pocketed $1 950. The South African carded 74 on Friday, got 69 on Saturday before Sunday’s 74 to make it 217. Gondo got 71, 73 and 73 to make it 217.
Hwange Golf Club captain Vumi Moyo said the tournament progressed well.
“The tournament was a very big success.
The weather was very unpredictable because it was hot on Friday and Saturday and windy on Sunday so that affected play.
“It was a huge success because we had about 140 players. Of note is that we had several foreigners from South Africa who came to participate,” he said.
“This shows that this is not an ordinary tournament because it is gaining popularity.”
Another South African, Thanda Mavundla who took part in the competition was third after carding 74 on round one, 72 on round two and 74 on round three getting 220 a result which saw him pocket $1 500.
Chaferfly Enterprises are the major sponsors of the competition that is also supported by different stakeholders.
