Harare Bureau
Lyle Rowe’s winning score of 11 under par-277 at this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe Open was the lowest total to win the tournament at the Royal Harare Golf Club since its return on the Sunshine Tour schedule six years ago. The course played tough at the weekend as fans on a number of occasions got their expectations wrong about the front-runners.
It was perplexing especially on the final day with early pace-setter Louis de-Jager, overnight leader Breyten Meyer and Hennie du Plessis all in with good chances after Rowe had finished his final round.
But then Meyer who had carded a course equaling nine under-63 the previous day to surge ahead by one stroke could not hold his nerve as he carded a disappointing five over-par 77 on the last day.
Rowe’s five under-67 was just enough to keep du Plessis at bay and edge into second place compatriot Dylan Frittelli who had closed with an impressive 65.
The last time the Royal Harare Golf Club recorded an 11 under-par score was 30 years ago when Briton Stephen Bennett won the tournament through a play-off in 1986 and the following year which was won by another British player Gordon John Brand.
Last year the tournament was won by Zimbabwe born golfer Dean Burmester who competes under a South African flag with a 16 under-par total.
Zambezi Tour tournament director Michael Mahachi yesterday said they were happy with the overall run of the tournament, which has been dominated by South African golfers over the years.
He said the seesaw and low scores witnessed at this year’s event, which is the seventh since its resuscitation in 2010, spoke of the strong competition.
“We’ve witnessed one of the most challenging events considering the scores and we’re happy at how Royal Harare was so challenging this year.
“The players played so well and it was good competition as we saw the lowest scores since we resuscitated the tournament,” said Mahachi.
Scott Vincent was the highest placed local player tied in fifth place with a seven under-par 281.
He was the only Zimbabwean in the top ten for the first time since Marc Cayeux managed the feat in 2010.
Mahachi said he believes there is lot of potential in the local talent after eight players made the cut. This was a slight improvement from last year’s six. Two local amateurs, Scott Vincent and David Amm, managed to make the cut after the first two rounds.
“We’re happy with how our youngsters performed. Vincent and Amm did well against some top players which means we’re moving towards the right direction.
“The event was tricky as the greens would change anytime and that gave the players tough time.
“We’re grateful to all the sponsors for the support and we look forward to a bright future with them supporting the sport,” said Mahachi.
Scott Vincent, who did well in his first appearance in the tournament as a professional, said competition was tough. Vincent had the best score of seven under-65 for the final round alongside the tournament’s runner up, Frittelli.
The Zimbabwean however had messed up his statistics on day three when he shot a five over-par 77 to end the day with a par score going into the final round.
“Sunshine Tours always have a lot of good players. The field is always strong and there’s always a lot of good players. The scores are good.
“The course was playing a little harder this year than the previous years. It’s just a fun tournament,” said Vincent.
“(But) I’m happy with my score after where I was sitting in the morning (par). If you had told me about seven under (on Sunday morning) I would’ve been jumping with joy,” said Vincent.