Bad day in the office for local golfers at Zim Open

LOCAL professional golfers were once again exposed after less than 10 managed to make the cut at the FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship at Royal Harare.

The tournament is led by South African Martin Vorster who took the driving seat going into today’s third round on 12-under.

The 22-year-old, who is representing Mossel Bay Golf Club of South Africa, went on to make a name on the course record after he carded an impressive second round of 10-under.

However, there was no such good news for Zimbabwe as the majority of the local professionals who were part of the field could not manage the projected cut of one-over-par after the two rounds.

Only nine local golfers managed to make it into the final two rounds of 60 players who will be considered for the purse money.

There was still hope though as Kieran Vincent rose like a phoenix from his opening day one-under to card a five-under-par and land on position six where he was the best placed Zimbabwean.

Kieran was happy with his performance and said he will stay focused and see how the last two days go this weekend.

“Always relaxed, enjoying my game, I am looking forward to the next day.

“The game was good. I did well and I grateful I am in the run,”said Kieran Vincent.

Scott Vincent followed up his opening round of five under-par-68 score with a one-over-par yesterday to stay within chasing distance of the leaders at four-under.

In-form Robson Chinhoi had a good second round, carding an impressive four-under and joined Scott to tie for ninth position.

Sunshine Tour and Asian Tour player Ben Follet-Smith also showed why he is one of the best in the local circuit after he took his overall tally to three-under.

The former junior champion FolletSmith maintained his three-under despite having taken his tally to six-under going into hole number 15.

Also making an impression was Mahommad Rauf Mandhu, who finished on two-under to book his place in the finals, tied on position 25.

Biggie Chibvuri, and Pride Sembo also made their presence felt after they carded level par, so was Stuart Krog who was on one-over-par.

Former winner Darren Fichardt of South Africa, who was tied with Scott after the opening round, had a good second round and is now joint second with Michael Hollick on 11-under-par.

Fichardt was tipped to be among the top performers, and he is showing the signs.

Playing along with his son Ethan, who got an invite after impressing at the Zimbabwe Junior Championship, Darren will be focusing on his game after the former failed to make the cut.