-As JGF invites Junior Golfers for the Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open 2023;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has announced the start of the exciting international pairs golf tournaments in the country during the launch held at Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi, Kenya.
The KGU Vice Chairman and Tournament Director David Ndung’u made the announcement while flanked by the KGU Chairman-Philip Ochola, Hon. Treasurer-Karugu Macharia, Hon. Secretary Chris Kinuthia and the Executive Board Member Sammy Itemeere.
This is the fourth edition of the series having being held in the years 2019, 2021 and 2022 with a break in 2020 due to the Corona Pandemic.
The first event in 2023 will be held on Saturday, 8th July at Muthaiga Golf Club and 75 pairs have already registered to play.
This will be followed by Nyahururu Sports Club (15th July), Kericho Golf Club (22nd July), Great Rift Valley Golf Resort (29th July), Nyali Golf and Country Club (5th August), Nakuru Golf Club (12th August), and VetLab Sports Club (26th August).
KGU Vice Chairman David Ndung’u said the Grand Finale will be on 1st September at a venue to be announced and the world finals are set for the 6th to 10th November at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucesso Resort in Portugal.
“I urge all golfers who are 18 years and above and have a valid WHS handicap index to register and participate in any of the qualifier events. Mixed pairs are also allowed and the entry fee is Ksh. 3000 per person and Ksh. 6000 per pair, “said Ndung’u.
As a norm, the series is played in a four-ball better-ball format (Stable ford) with a handicap allowance of 85% of the Course Handicap.
Several qualifiers are organized in different clubs across the country and in each qualifier, the top 5 pairs wins’ prizes and earn a spot in the Grand Finale.
The top three winning pairs in the Grand Finale qualify to play at the World Finals with all the expenses paid for.
Since the start of the series in 2019, 7 pairs have participated in the fully paid trip to the World Grand Finale.
Mike Karanga /Steve Kiaro, James Kamenchu /Anthony Murage and Bhamra Bilu/Romy Sandhu participated in the finals in 2019 at Penina Golf Resort, Portugal.
In 2022, Saawan Shah /Jay Varia, Chand Shah /Kush Shah, Julius Rono/Eric Mutai and Steve Kiaro / David Gitao participated in the finals at La Cala Golf Resort, Spain.
The pair of Chand Shah/Kush Shah finished as runner ups in the World Finals just one point from the winners from Namibia Johannes Damon and Hylton Villet.
The International Pairs is the World’s Largest Golf Tournament and Local, regional and national tournaments are organized and promoted by licensed partners around the globe.
The top national teams represent their country or territory at the World Final for the chance to be crowned World Champions.
More than 1.5 million amateur golfers from over 50 countries have enjoyed competing in this exciting, friendly and hugely prestigious event.
The objective of the series is to create a fun and competitive challenge to the general, weekend golfer and to generate revenues to support growth of Elite Golf including but not limited to, training, exposure opportunities and provision of golfing equipment.
Meanwhile the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) of Kenya has invited Junior Golf participants to the second Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open, presented by First Capital Bank in the competition that will run from 18 – 20 of August at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The event is recognized by the governing Zimbabwe Golf Association as the official Zimbabwe Junior Open (ZJO) and Participation in the event is self-sponsored and application forms can be returned directly to zjgo@thebrooke.co.zw
Closing date for entries will be 10th August 2023 The Brooke Golf Club.
According to the ZJO Tournament Administrator Tasj Jonker this second edition of the Zimbabwe Junior Open has been accepted by World Amateur Golf Ranking tournament calendar as an official event for 2023 whereby players can collect valuable points to improve their world rankings. The ZJGO Champion Golfer (player with the best gross score) will receive an invitation to the following Zimbabwe Golf Open.
He said that the high-profile tournament will be played over 54-holes of stroke play for both the boys’ and girls’ categories offering international participants and local golfers the necessary platform to Showcase their talents and provide invaluable experience and exposure needed to make it on the world stage.
“Entry cost is US$50 payable on arrival,” said Jonker.
Brooke Golf Club is a par 72, 18-hole course designed by Peter Matkovic and offers pristine greens and exciting challenges from every tee. The tournament hopes to attract some of the top junior golfers on the continent.
“Entrants may now apply until the 10th August. Players may book free accommodation just Off the Estate, a daily meal allowance is provided for all players, and transport assistance may be applied for, “said Jonker.
He pointed out that all eligible applicants are urged to complete the relevant forms and direct the completed forms and any other queries to zjgo@thebrooke.co.zw.
“In addition to collecting WAGR points, the Winner of the 2023 Zimbabwe Junior Open will be offered an automatic playing spot in the 2024 Zimbabwe Open, inclusive of a return flight to Zimbabwe if Required,” pointed out Jonker.
The Winner of the 2022 Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open, Ivan Verster, played in the 2023 Zimbabwe Open and came a very creditable 8th in a tough field, also winning the Amateur prize.
Additionally, the 2023 Winner will qualify to play in a 2024 Junior Championship event ‘Champion of Champions ‘invitational, which will take place at Ireland’s Lough Erne course towards the end of July 2024.
PLAYERS INFORMATION SHEET;
EVENT: FIRST CAPITAL BANK ZIMBABWE JUNIOR GOLF OPEN 2023;
DATE: 18th–20th AUGUST 2023;
VENUE: BORROWDALE BROOKE GOLF ESTATE;
- TOURNAMENT;
Gross medal event for Boys and Girls over 54 Holes, Stroke Play Official practice round is on Thursday 17th August 2023. Please book times with the Club on +263242860419 or +263772306560. Tees close at 3pm.
- ELIGIBILITY;
Open to:
- Junior golfers aged under 19 years of age on 20th August 2023;
- Junior golfers of HNA Handicap Index of 5, 5 or less;
- Junior golfers with a handicap index between 5.6-10 may apply. Acceptance upon availability;
- APPLICATION;
Application Forms should be requested from and returned to: zjgo@thebrooke.co.zw
Closing date for entries will be 10th August 2023
- REGISTRATION;
Players must register with the ZJGO tournament office by 12pm on Thursday 17th
August 2023;
Alternatively, players can call Hillary on +263772225429, Themba +263773080474 or
Simon +263772306560;
- ENTRY FEE
US$50 payable in United States of America dollars, cash notes only. Any outstanding
entry fee must be paid prior to teeing off;
- OPENING CEREMONY;
A compulsory Opening Ceremony with flag-raising starting at 5.30pm on Thursday 18th
August in front of the Clubhouse. Light snacks and refreshments will be on offer following
the ceremony. Parents, Club Members and Estate Residents are welcome to attend.
Dress is golf attire or smart casual;
- PRACTICE ROUND;
There is a free practice round on Thursday 17th from the 10th Tee. Players may book
times from 8am to 11.22am, thereafter pitch and play. Times for 9 holes will be 1pm to
3pm. Please call +263(0)787558030 to make a booking;
- TRAVEL ASSISTANCE;
Limited travel assistance is available to Entrants coming from outside of Zimbabwe and
Will comprise of:
- US$200 for individual air flights into Zimbabwe or
- US$200 per passenger omnibus transiting into Zimbabwe
Travel assistance will be approved by the Committee to the first 25 eligible applicants
and will be provided in cash on arrival at The Brooke Golf Club. A valid ticket will be
requested. Application is through the official entry form;
For Entrants coming by road from outside of Harare, limited travel assistance to a
maximum of $50 per vehicle may be applied for;
- ACCOMMODATION;
Free Accommodation will be available to all players on request;
- MEALS;
All players will receive one meal per day. Specifics will be communicated prior to the
tournament start;
- THE DRAW;
The draw will be conducted on 13th August 2023 and circulated by email and WhatsApp.
The Draw may be requested on the Tournament email and phone numbers;
- CURRENT CHAMPION;
The current Champion is Ivan Verster who played out of Pinnacle Point in 2022;
ENDS;