Newcomer Mpofu leads at Vetlab as Safari Tour's second leg gets underway

Zimbabwe Tafara Mpofu grabbed a two shots lead as the second leg of the 2021/22 Safari Tour golf series got under way at the tough-playing Vet Lab Sports Club course on Sunday 3 September 2021.

The 24 year old Mpofu from Chapman Golf Club in Harare, shot three under-par 69, a round that included four birdies and a bogey at the front nine and only a birdie and a single bogey at the back nine.

"It is my first time playing here since turning professional about two years ago and I am hoping to gain more experience by playing in the Safari Tour," said Mpofu.

Robson Chinhoi returned a one under-par 71 to tie second with Muthaiga's Nelson Mudanyi.

Chinhoi bogeyed the third hole then picked up birdies from fifth to eighth. He, however, started the back nine on a low, dropping shots on 10th and 11th. He recovered for birdies on the 14th and 15th but picked up an awful double bogey at the home green for two over in the back nine.

Mudanyi, on his part played a neat bogey‐free round which had 17 pars and one birdie holed at the par five‐seventh.

"I am very happy starting on a clean sheet, having played badly at Sigona following the long layoff. I am hoping to build up on today's round and see how it goes this week," said Mudanyi.

Home pro Mathew Omondi who missed the first leg at Sigona last week, shot one over-par 73, to stay close with the leaders.

The second round which will decide the top 20 who will proceed to the money list,is set for 8am on Monday, 4 October.

The Leader board (All Kenyans unless stated)

Tafara Mpofu (Zim) 69

Nelson Mudanyi 71

Robson Chinhoi (Zim) 71

Mathew Omondi 73

Paul Chidale (Mw) 74

Simon Ngige 74

Ainamani Abraham (Ug) 74

Tony Omulli 74

Samuel Njoroge 74

Greg Snow 74

David Wakhu 74

Mike Kisia 74

Ronald Rugumayo (Ug) 74