Teenage golf sensation Miriam Masiya’s (pictured, right) memorable year continues after she captured the Harare Province Ladies Golf Association (HPLGA) Stroke Play at Wingate Golf Club last Sunday.
The 15–year–old Heritage School student has already won the National Aids Council Zimbabwe Ladies Golf Union Open championship as well as the Mashwede Classic.
And last weekend, the young golfer shot rounds of 74, 80 and 76 for a gross total of 230 and claimed a three-stroke victory over US-bound top amateur golfer Kudzai Mandava.
Mandava who carded 82, 74 and 77 in 54 holes grossed 233 in the three-day event.
Veteran golfer Batsirai Tilowakuti finished third with a gross total of 235 after shooting 82, 80 and 73.
HPLGA president Amanda Michell was delighted with the way the tournament went.
“We were very lucky to have great weather conditions and good course conditions at Wingate. The staff have worked hard to improve the condition of the course and were very helpful with preparation for the tournament in every aspect. HPLGA had amazing support from the Harare Province players as well as several who travelled from Masvingo, Hippo, Renco, Ruwa and Norton,” she said.
There were four divisions, with the top two divisions competing over three days and 54 holes while the B and C divisions competed over two days on 36 holes.
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“This format is a great platform for competitive players to demonstrate what they can do under pressure, and those that succeed earn valuable WAGR points which contribute towards further playing opportunities and scholarships. Harare has the biggest base of Development level Juniors and it gives those that have achieved some success in the smaller Junior competitions a chance to compete alongside more experienced players.
“There were 84 players this year of which 19 were in the top two categories which is markedly higher than in the previous few years. Fifteen were juniors and what is important to note is that they were all reasonably placed
“The more players the better the overall competition as they push each other to play better. The more competitions the better the players get so we need to encourage all aspiring golfers to enter as many competitions as possible,” Michell added.
Michell was full for Masiya and the other top competitors.
“It is wonderful to see Miriam’s hard work and dedication paying off as she has been practicing very hard with (Kudzi) Mandava and (Batsirai) Tilowakuti in preparation for their competition in Morocco next week. Miriam did very well to beat Kudzi who is finally on her way in January to take up her scholarship in America and a fine example of determination and dedication for juniors to see.
“Miriam has shown a wonderful work ethic and very humble attitude which makes her success a real pleasure to watch. It is a pity there is not the funds for their coach to accompany them to Morocco but hopefully more funding will come with success in these regional tournaments.
The HPLGA would like to see the competition continue to grow into the coming years as well as attracting sponsorship.
“Essentially we want to have more players as the maximum field would be 120 so there is still a long way to go. It is also very difficult to get a quality venue for competitive ladies golf as the courses are under financial pressure so sponsorship would give us more options for more competitions and should raise the level of competition in the long run. This event is entirely sponsored by the ladies themselves through the affiliation fees that they pay every year,” Michell said.
The A Division was won by Listiah Bangura who grossed 252 in 36 holes and was five shots to the good over Spiwe Chiduuro in second on 257 while Patricia Madera managed 258 in third.
Jane Salimo was the B Division champion with a gross total of 182, finishing one shot ahead of Farai Zwizwai.
In the C Division, Kumbirai Mbavarira was the winner after grossing 186 and enjoyed a seven-stroke advantage of Belinda Sachikonye on 193.
Zimbabwe Ladie Golf Union president Olivia Nyamwanza also took part in the event as well as HPLGA vice-president Penelope Guzha.
