(Last Updated on December 1, 2015 by Editor)
The tournament has attracted a field of over 80 international golfers drawn from Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia for the lucrative prize purse of $150 000.
ZPGA president, Day Muyambo told NewsDay Sport yesterday that Zimbabwe would have the largest contingent of foreign professionals competing in the event after being given 20 invitations followed by Nigeria who will field 15 golfers.
“We are obviously delighted that 20 of our members will be taking part in Equatorial Guinea Golf Championship following the invitation by the Equatorial Guinea sport and recreation authorities and tournament sponsors, 3E Actuarial. The sponsors will cater for the players’ accommodation and transport to and from Equatorial Guinea,” he said.
“Initially we had been given 10 invites but because of the overwhelming response and good relations between the two governments of Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, the field was increased to 80 from the initial 60 and Zimbabwe was given another 10 slots. In terms of numbers we will have the highest representation followed by Nigeria.”
Some of the Zimbabwean golfers heading to the West African nation include Tongo Charamba, a two-time winner on the Sunshine Tour, Robson Saurombe, former top amateur golfer Clive Nguru and Pride Sembo among others.
The 3E Actuaries Equatorial Guinea Golf Championship is a golf tourism-driven project supported by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The tournament will be staged over the 7 000-metre Mongomo Golf Course, which is set in the pristine forest to the east of the oil-rich country. The field of 80 players will be cut to 30 players after the first 36 holes.
The tournament will feature professional golfers from other countries such as, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Ghana, Norway, Ivory Coast, Senegal, the UK, Morocco and the Gambia.
Others are Brazil, Bolivia, Cameroon, Gabon, France, Uganda, Spain, India, Zambia, Pakistan, Austria and Kenya.