Good start for Vincent

THE first round of the JM Busha Pro-am Invitational golf tournament got underway at Chapman yesterday with a good field which included rising star Scott Vincent who flew in from Asia.

Vincent put together a 70 and is lying tied first with Sunshine Tour and fellow Zimbabwe professional Steven Ferreira.

One shot behind ZPGA president Garry Thompson who is about to embark on his senior tour challenge.

Madalisto Muthiya, another Sunshine Tour pro and ZPGA affiliate, joined in from Zambia as their number one player.

Chapman is arguably one of the country’s finest venues, though often it is in the shadow of Royal Harare.

“We set up some challenges for the pros, mother nature gave us a bit of wind and tomorrow (today) we look forward to a scintillating finish, especially with Scott Vincent in town,” said Cedi Jonker, the Zimbabwe Professional Golf Association tour co-ordinator.

The scores were quite bunched and Thompson hailed the sponsors.

“The players are deeply appreciative to JM Busha and the sponsors for getting behind not just the golf but the whole idea of cycling and marathon all in one day . . . I mean it’s superb and most likely a first-ever for the nation.”

The marathon is on this morning and starts at Alex Sports Club in the capital.

Open Day Scores

First place: 70 - Scott Vincent, Steven Ferreira, D. Amm

Second Place: 71 - Jack Allard, Gary Thompson

Third Place: 72 - Pride Sembo, Biggie Chibvuri, Trainos Muradzikwa

Fourth Place: 73 - Ryan Cairns, Davison Elijah, Kayyam Mandhu, Tonderayi Masunga, Madalitso Muthiya, Hanish Nagrani