Vincent finishes fourth
ZIMBABWEAN professional golfer Scott Vincent managed to finish on a credible fourth position at the LIV Singapore tournament at Sentosa Golf Club yesterday.
Vincent was two shots behind winner Talor Gooch of the United States who made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back LIV Golf titles after a playoff hole victory against Spain’s Sergio Garcia.
The Zimbabwean had rounds of 70, 63 and 68 for a total 15-under to be behind Gooch, Garcia and Brooks Koepta who took first, second and third positions respectively.
Vincent managed to pocket US$1 050 000 for his effort with the winner Gooch walking home US$4million richer.
The Singapore event came a week after a successful stop in Australia, and was the fifth event of the 2023 season.
It’s the first time this year that the upstart Saudi-backed circuit is playing back-to-back weeks, coming to a course that has hosted several professional and amateur events over the years. Gooch and Garcia shadowed each other for most of the opening two rounds and the final round was no different, with both the American and Spaniard never more than stroke apart as they finished at 17-under 196 to force a playoff.
At the first playoff hole, the par-five 18th, Gooch skirted with the water hazard with his tee shot but played a near perfect second shot into the heart of the green where he easily two-putted for birdie.
Garcia’s second shot at the playoff hole found the greenside bunker and the Spaniard was unable to make his birdie giving Gooch his second successive win and a US$4million prize.
Meanwhile, the FBC Zimbabwe Open will have the pre-qualifiers this morning at Royal Harare.
The tournament will begin from Thursday through to Sunday and at least 15 players will have an opportunity to join the final field of 156 players.
The tournament will see several local players trying to take to the podium in a competition which is usually dominated by South African golfers.