HARARE - The Hwange Golf Open organising committee has expressed gratitude to tournament sponsors Chaferfly Investments for their continued partnership with the event.

Chaferfly Investments have bankrolled the tournament for the past three years and are also continuing with their funding this year.

The tournament tees off this Saturday at the Hwange Colliery Golf Club with a field of over 150 golfers including 33 of the leading pros on the Golden Pilsner Zambezi Tour.

Victor Rakabopa, Hwange Open organising committee chairman said: “We are grateful to the support Chaferfly has given us for the past three years. There is going to be a lot of golf this weekend starting with the Pro-Am on Friday while the championship will start on Saturday.

“We are expecting a field of 150 golfers and the pros have really taken an interest in this tournament with over 30 confirming their participation.”

Chaferfly Investments managing director, Godfrey Nyakudya, hailed their long standing partnership with Hwange Colliery and subsequently the golf tournament.

“We have a good relationship with Hwange and we will be sponsoring the tournament for the fourth year running,” Nyakudya said.

“For us we are happy with how the tournament has continued to grow and the way it has been organised. We just want to encourage the golfers to come out and enjoy themselves this weekend.

“For the pros, there is plenty to expect in terms of the purse money.”

A total of $15 000 purse is up for grabs for the pros at the tournament that will be played over 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday.

Rakabopa said the Hwange Golf Course was in excellent condition and was looking in tip top shape compared to last year.

Tongo Charamba, who won last year’s edition, has confirmed he will be defending his title as he aims for a third win this season.

Zambezi Tour Order of Merit leader Ryan Cairns will not be taking part in the tournament as he is competing at the BMG Classic on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

Ignatius Mketekete, who is second on the money list, will be the other leading contender for honours this weekend.

The other leading local golfers who will be in with a shout for the top prize in Hwange are Robson Saurombe, Peter Banda and Phillip Tshuma.