A Remarkable Performance and a Deep Tribute
Professional golfer Liberty Gumisa delivered a performance that went beyond personal achievement, securing his best career finish on Tour at the Lome Open in Togo. Finishing in second place with a total score of seven-under-par 281, Gumisa’s rounds of 70, 71, 67, and 73 reflected not only his skill but also his emotional strength.
This achievement was particularly meaningful for Gumisa, as it was dedicated to his late friend and golf partner, Morton Kombai, who passed away in a tragic road traffic accident. The loss of Kombai, along with other golfers involved in the incident, deeply affected the entire golfing community.
Gumisa was the only Zimbabwean participant in the Lome Open, making his runner-up finish even more significant. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his satisfaction with the result, calling it a long-overdue performance. “It was a good week for me and I was playing so well,” he said.
Despite battling malaria throughout the tournament, Gumisa showed incredible resilience. He admitted that during one round, he was vomiting on the course but still managed to push through and maintain his focus.
The emotional journey of the tournament began in Ghana and concluded in Togo, where Gumisa carried the memory of Kombai with him. His tribute started with wearing two different shoes—one for his late friend and one for himself. Additionally, all his golf balls were marked with the initials “MK” in honor of Kombai.
In Togo, Gumisa expanded his tribute by marking his balls with the initials of all five golfers involved in the accident, including those who survived. This gesture symbolized his deep connection with the group and his commitment to remembering them all.
Gumisa and Kombai shared a strong bond, both hailing from the Midlands province. They had been inseparable in their golfing journey, with Gumisa helping Kombai turn professional and secure sponsorship. Their friendship extended beyond the golf course, as they worked together on junior golf development initiatives.
Reflecting on their relationship, Gumisa shared how Kombai had always looked up to him. “He started playing golf before me, but I was the first to turn pro. Because we are both from Midlands, he came to me for advice. When he turned pro, I helped him get sponsorship from Mimosa and Buyworld Motors.”
Looking ahead, Gumisa is determined to honor Kombai’s legacy. He plans to establish a Morton Kombai Golf Day annually in the Midlands and ensure that Kombai is remembered in all tournaments he once won as an amateur. “I will continue playing for him because he made a huge impact in golf. I learned a lot from him.”
Gumisa also expressed gratitude for the support from the survivors of the accident, including Biggie Chibvuri, Tonderai Masunga, Victor Kachepatsonga, and Lucky Ayisa. Their encouragement played a vital role in his motivation during the tournament.
His sponsors, Glow Petroleum, have been a constant source of support over the past seven years. “They have supported me from Day 1. Even during Morton’s loss, they were always there. All the tournaments that I have participated in, they are always there through the highs and lows.”
With his sights set on further success, Gumisa is preparing to participate in the Sunshine Tour development tour in Kenya. He has already applied and received approval for membership, expecting to travel to Kenya this month.
Through his remarkable performance and heartfelt tributes, Liberty Gumisa continues to inspire, carrying the legacy of his late friend while striving for greater achievements on the golf course.
