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Thompson rallies to win maiden Zambezi Tour

Sport
ADVERTISING and marketing guru Gary Thompson rallied to a maiden professional title on the Zambezi Tour, as the former top amateur toppled Stephen Ferreira

ADVERTISING and marketing guru Gary Thompson rallied to a maiden professional title on the Zambezi Tour, as the former top amateur toppled Stephen Ferreira with an impressive final round performance to earn a two shot victory at the Hwange Golf Open on Sunday.

BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

Gary Thompson (left) being presented with the Hwange Golf Open title on Sunday
Gary Thompson (left) being presented with the Hwange Golf Open title on Sunday

Thompson entered the day three shots off Ferreira’s lead, but a solid 70 saw him finish with a former under-par 212 total for his first big win on the Zambezi Tour for which earned him $3 000.

The 47-year-old Harare business executive finished two shots clear of Ferreira and Mutare-based amateur Robson Chinhoi, who signed for rounds of 75 and 72 respectively.

Hwange Open former champion Brian Gondo launched a late charge with a 69 to finish fourth on one-under-par 215 while South African golfer Simon Thabang finished in fifth position on one-over-par 217.

The day was all about Thompson, however, who was finally rewarded for his consistency after recently finishing second on the developmental PGA Tour of Zimbabwe in Bindura recently.

Thompson was one of finest amateur golfers in Zimbabwe in the 90s, before he decided to quit the game to concentrate on business.

He returned to golf initially as an amateur, before turning professional last year. In an interview with NewsDay Sport an elated Thompson said he was delighted to finally get a win under his belt.

“As you know 25 years ago I decided to give up the game to concentrate on business and to come back and win on the Zambezi Tour after turning professional last year is a wonderful feeling,” he said.

“To get my first win in Hwange, a place with a rich history as the likes of Nick Price and Tony Johnstone have also won here makes it even more special. I would want to take this opportunity applaud the organisers for ensuring that the Hwange Open remains one of the top tournaments on the local circuit.”

Meanwhile, Hillside Golf Club-based amateur, Chinhoi continued his recent run by claiming amateur honours in Hwange finishing massive eights clear of his nearest rival Tonderai Masunga.

Chinhoi, who threatened to upstage the professionals by winning the overall title carded rounds of 68, 74 and 72 for a total of two-under-par 214.