daniel chigunwe
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE wait is over. Zimbabwe’s most prestigious golf tournament, the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open, swings into action today at the storied Royal Harare Golf Club, marking the official start of the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour season.
Running up to Sunday, the tournament once again brings together seasoned professionals and rising amateurs for four days of world class action on Zimbabwe’s most revered fairways. With US$200 000 in prize money on offer, courtesy of title sponsor FBC Holdings, the event reaffirms its place among the top-tier stops on the Sunshine Tour circuit.
Last year’s champion, Michael Hollick of South Africa, returns to defend his title after an impressive -20 finish in 2024, which saw him edge fellow countryman Darren Fitchardt, by two strokes. Hollick, who has fond memories of the Royal Harare layout, is relishing the chance to compete once again on what he describes as hallowed turf.
“Getting ready for the Zimbabwe Open, where I will be coming back as the defending champion,” Hollick said. “I really cannot wait to get back to Zimbabwe. Royal Harare is a very special golf course and a very special place to me. I cannot wait to see you guys out there.”
The defending champion will be joined by an elite field of Sunshine Tour pros, but also by a spirited cast of 11 amateurs, each vying for personal milestones and national pride. Among them is Nerudo Mregi, who earned his place the hard way, through the pre-qualifying stages.
For Mregi, this isn’t just another tournament. It’s the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a bigger journey.
“Recently, I entered the pre-qualifier for the Zim Open. I hadn’t played Royal Harare before, my only round there was a practice session two weeks before the qualifier, with friends, who travelled down to help me prepare,” he recalled. “By God’s grace, I made it through the playoff. The cheers from the spectators will stay with me for a long time.”
Now, standing on the edge of the biggest stage in Zimbabwean golf, Mregi’s voice carries both humility and fire.
“Seeing my name on the list for the 2025 FBC Zim Open, with the Zimbabwean flag next to it, is a quiet but powerful reminder of how far the journey has come,” he said. “I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity. I will give it my best and represent my family, my roots and my country with everything I’ve got.”
Alongside Mregi, fellow Zimbabwean amateurs Tanaka Chatora, Michael Wallace, Keegan Shutt, Kelvin Muchenje, Darlington Chikanyambidze, Devon Valentine, Tawana Mangoma, Braydon Amm, Terrance Keith and Shijie Li will also tee it up, with some already familiar with the big stage pressure and others like Mregi soaking it all in for the first time.
Tee-off for the opening round is set for 6.20am on today and with weather conditions forecast to be near perfect, the 2025 edition promises fierce competition, electric atmospheres and a showcase of the sport’s rising and established stars.
As the fairways of Royal Harare begin to hum with anticipation, one thing is certain: Zimbabwean golf’s flagship event is back, bolder and brighter than ever.
Online Reporter