By SANDRA MWILA –
THE Zambia Sugar Open organising committee has raised K500,000 from the K750, 000 budget to  host the international event set for April 30 to May 3 at Lusaka Golf Club.
Committee chairperson, Robert Penny said during a Press briefing yesterday that preparations for the tournament, the second Zambian event on the Sunshine Tour winter swing, were progressing well because of the good corporate response from the business houses.
“The organising of this tournament is proceeding well with much support from many sponsors and we have raised K500, 000 towards the event,” Penny said.
He also said the tournament had so far attracted 180 professional golfers but the number would be trimmed to the recommended 144 for the championship.
Penny said among the 144 golfers to make the final entry would 20 Zambian golfers of which 10 would professionals and another 10 amateurs.
Among the notables participating in the tournament are defending champion from South Africa Lyle Rowe, Zambia’s Patrick Mwendapole and Bube Samutela.
He said the tournament would be preceded by two Pro-Ams on April 28 and 29.
Penny said  Madalitso Muthiya was the only Zambian who had chances of winning the Zambia Open because most local professionals lack exposure.
“To be honest in Zambia only Madalisto can win the Zambian Open because he is the only one who has been exposed, he participated on the European tour,” he said.
Penny said there was need for golf academies to be established in the country to help improve the skills of athletes.