Lovemore Dube, GOLF WRITER
Now the dust has settled around the FBC Zimbabwe Golf Open, we can look back at this year’s installment of The Open – which certainly didn’t disappoint.
The tournament provided many thrills and spills which saw a resurgent Louis Albertse, Ryan Cairns returned and Albert Venter showed why he’s at the summit of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
So, who was The Open champion?
Man of the moment Albert Venter was the player who ended up winning the illustrious Open title on Sunday, and who in their right mind would’ve doubted him? The new Open champion barely put a foot wrong all week; even with three bogeys and one double bogey, the South African won by one shot in a three-way play-off also involving Albertse and Stefan Wears-Taylor. Watching Albertse roaring his way back into contention on Sunday was incredible viewing. The South African shot a 5-under 67. One of the standout moments from the tournament was when Albertse holed a spectacular bunker shot on the undulating 17th green. Quiet. Simply. Amazing.
17th strikes again!
The 17th at Royal Harare is known as one of the hardest stretches in golf. It is notoriously difficult and has claimed many victims in pursuit of success at The Open. The latest to join the list is American Dan Erickson; standing on the 17th tee box, Erickson was one shot ahead of playing partner Venter. Erickson proceeded to find the rough on the par 4, going onto make a crippling double bogey, putting him out of contention. Although, the American isn’t the only player this has happened to! This is never a pretty sight!
Cairns returns
Arguably one of the best players in the history of Zimbabwean golf made his high anticipated return. Ryan Cairns arrived at Royal Harare full of optimism and excitement that mirrored the fans, as reports were surfacing saying Cairns was hitting the ball great in practice. Cairns proved this right as he shot a 1-under 71 to keep himself in contention. Rounds of 70, 76 and 69 followed and showed Cairns still has plenty of work to do.
So, there you have it, the Zimbabwe Open reviewed; yes it may have been slightly one-sided and in favour of the touring South African contingent but, it certainly didn’t lack excitement.
