Lyle Rowe: It didn’t come as a surprise

NUMERO UNO…Golden Pilsener 2016 Zimbabwe Open winner Lyle Rowe (left) recieves the trophy from Delta Beverages representative Maxen Karombo as the end of the Zim Open golf tournament at the Royal Harare Golf Club

SOUTH African professional golfer, Lyle Rowe, last Sunday was crowned champion in the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open at Royal Harare Golf Club after winning the tournament by two strokes.

The 28 year old Port Elizabeth born golfer’s flawless final round of five -under par 67 saw him finish ahead of Dylan Frittelli’s seven –under 65 in his last round of the day.

This was Rowe’s second Sunshine Tour honours after winning his first title in 2014 when he won the Zambia Sugar Open.

On Sunday, Rowe, did not even garner the largest crowds on the course. Many were watching and following all sorts as the field kept changing until he hit a brilliant comeback to clinch the richest and biggest golf tournament on the Zimbabwean calendar.

He pocketed ZAR285 300.

Bryce Easton and leader for the first two rounds, Louis De Jager shared third place on eight-under, with five players in a share of fifth on seven-under.

“No, it didn’t come as a surprise because I have been working hard for this. It’s a great feeling, nice to win in this beautiful course,” he told the Financial Gazette.

“I have been playing solid golf. If you keep it in the right place, have no three-putts, no double bogeys, it can work well.”

The South African golfer is currently in Lusaka, where he is competing in the 2016 Zambia Open.

Delta Beverages marketing director, Maxen Karombo, said: “I think you will agree with me that it was a fantastic day for golf and also a showcase for our country. To the winner, I say well done. He gave us a few heart beats. We followed mainly wrong winners. I also want to pay special mention to Craig Evans. He was carrying the bag for Rowe. Craig is a school teacher. I think it was a good display to young stars to see how their teachers have developed the sport. For us (sponsors), we are indebted to all those who drink Glden Pilsener. Without you guys, we won’t be here. We hope every cheer will go beyond the beer to develop golf in the country”.

Zimbabwe Golfers Association president Mafingei Nyamwanza said: “In the next year, we will work with the Professional Golf Union so that we can get one of our pros coming up to the prize giving podium. It will be tough but I am sure next year, we will be better. At least we have one amateur who got the title.”

No local professional golfer has won the Zimbabwe Open since Mark McNulty, Nick Price and Tony Johnstone last claimed the title way back before it was terminated in 2001.

The annual series of the tournament were resuscitated in 2010.

Kieran Vincent emerged as the Zimbabwe Open amateur champion with a final score of four-over 292.

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