Africa’s golfing elite to light up Bulawayo

THIS October, Africa’s golfing elite will converge at the historic Bulawayo Golf Club (BGC), the continent’s oldest course, for the prestigious All-Africa Golf Team Championship.

The 11th edition, running from October 27 to November 2, will showcase the pinnacle of African golfing talent. Imagine — the best golfers from over a billion people battling it out on the iconic greens of BGC.

Beyond the coveted silverware and fierce competition, the event presents a golden opportunity for Zimbabwe. With the world’s golfing spotlight on Bulawayo, the country can showcase its rich cultural tapestry. The tournament transcends the fairways, becoming a tourist magnet and highlighting Zimbabwe’s potential as a prime travel destination. This isn’t just an event for the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA); it’s a chance for the entire Zimbabwean community to shine.

Bulawayo, the “City of Kings and Queens,” offers the perfect stage. Here, at this historic venue, Zimbabwe can proudly display its cultural heritage to the world. 20 African nations will be vying for the championship title, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The location itself is strategic genius. With destinations like Matopos National Park, Khami

Ruins, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins all within easy reach, visitors can explore a wealth of Zimbabwe’s history.
Bulawayo even boasts the continent’s biggest and best natural history museum. The tournament is a chance to experience Zimbabwe’s best — golf, culture, and breath-taking sights.

“The decision to host the event in Bulawayo mustn’t be taken lightly. This a calculated well thought through desire not only to showcase the diversity as a country but a conscious appreciation of Bulawayo and its cultural heritage. In fact, this is the basis on which we decided to host the event in Bulawayo and at the Bulawayo Golf Club, the oldest golf club in the country, established in 1895.

“It is fitting that such a historic venue will play host to a tournament that brings together about 20 countries, all affiliates of the R&A and members of the Africa Golf Confederation,” said ZGA president Martin Chikwana, who is also the vice-president of the African Golf Confederation.

Chikwana said that the upcoming championship offers the opportunity to share the treasures in the country with the rest of the African community through the universal language that is golf.

“This event is not just about competition; it is about bringing together the best Amateur golfers from across Africa and celebrating our shared love for golf. As already mentioned, as a country, we have at our disposal an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s hospitality, the beauty of its people, and our status as a prime tourist destination. We are proud custodians of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Mighty Victoria Falls — the majestic Zimbabwe Ruins — the tranquillity of the Eastern Highlands, and the wildlife and fauna of the Matopos.

“This championship gives us a platform to share these treasures with Africa as well as the world at large. Each participating country will bring at least a delegation of five, although many tend to bring extra personnel at their own expense,” said Chikwana.

Chikwana called on the corporates to come in and support ZGA in their bid of hosting a successful event. He said it will not only be golf that will benefit from the event, local businesses are also set to receive good support.

He believes that the tournament will offer businesses the opportunity to showcase their products to the rest of the continent.

“The All-Africa Golf Team Championship is not just about golf; it is a celebration of unity, culture, and commerce, providing a platform for businesses to engage with a diverse and dynamic audience. It is our hope with this event we bring together long lasting partnerships that bring value as well as a lasting legacy for all of us,” he said.

An official launch is pencilled for July at BGC. – @brandon_malvin.