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Tongo Charamba…..painful miss

TONGO Charamba narrowly missed out on qualification for the 150th edition of the prestigious British Open also known as The Open Championship despite finishing in the top six at the final International Qualifier - Africa played in Johannesburg last week. The International Qualifier ran from 20-21 January at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington East course.

Charamba, who finished with figures of 2-under-par 140 after posting rounds of 70 and 70 in the 36-hole event, was just two shots off the final qualification position. Tied in sixth place with Charamba was Hendrik Buhrmann (72, 68) of South Africa and his compatriot, Doug McGuigan who had figures of 69 and 71.

The qualifier, which was played in rainy conditions was jointly won by the South African pair of Darren Fichardt and Jean Hugo who both closed on 6-under-par 136. Fichardt had rounds of 67 and 69 while Hugo posted scores of 65 and 71. The final qualifying slot was taken by another South African, Josh Cunliffe (70, 68), who sunk a 20-foot putt for an eagle on the fourth hole of a playoff against compatriots Joost Luiten (69, 69) and Oliver Bekker (67, 71) after all three golfers had closed the 36-holes tied on 4-under-par 138.

A total of 52 players took part in the final International Qualifier - Africa, including another Zimbabwean, Marc Cayeux who was however one of 28 players to retire after the first round. The Open will be played at the famed St Andrews course in Scotland from 15-18 July this year.

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