REIGNING Sportsperson of the Year, Brendon de Jonge, started the new season on a good note when he made the cut at the Sony Open at the weekend. De Jonge was playing in his first official USPGA Tour event of the season where he finished tied in 54th place.

The Sony Open in Hawaii attracted 144 players and the Zimbabwean managed to make it to the final two rounds.

De Jonge ended last season in good touch but it's too early in the new year to make any judgments.

His scores of 69, 68, 69 and 69 were decent, if not impressive.

The Zimbabwean pocketed US$12 824 for his efforts and was tied with Hideto Tanihara, Billy Horshel and Mark Anderson after the four rounds.

Russell Henley of United States won the event on 24-under-par with rounds of 63, 63, 67 and 63 to pocket US$1 million.

Meanwhile, the Mashonaland Strokeplay is gaining momentum with each passing day with teams preparing for the first major event on the Zimbabwe Ladies Golf Association calendar.

The annual event is scheduled for Ruwa Country Club at the weekend.