All set for AAGTC official launch/ legacy tournament

THE stage is set for the official launch of the 2024 All Africa Golf Team Championship (AAGTC) which is scheduled for next Friday at the oldest golf club in the country, which serves as the host venue, the Bulawayo Golf Club.

The AAGTC is the biggest amateur national golf team championship in Africa and the launch will coincide with the Legacy Golf Tournament which is on the same day at the same venue.

However, the AAGTC is scheduled for October 27 to November 2.

Participation at the Legacy Golf Tournament is pegged at US$200 per four-ball and the amount includes green fees. The format for the Legacy tournament is the individual stableford and the event is set to promote golfing excellence, demystifying the sport of golf while also nurturing the development of future world champions.

The AAGT is a biennial continental golf tournament which unites golfing nations from across Africa in a display of sportsmanship and skill.

The Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) said they are honoured to have been given the opportunity to host the best of the best on the continent.

“Zimbabwe is once again fhonoured to host the All Africa Golf Team Championship representing the continent’s ongoing growth in the sport. This upward trend is supported by robust golf development programmes implemented across Africa signifying a bright future for golf on the continent.

“Our international partners play a pivotal role in this journey, contributing to the success of some of the world’s best golfers — past, present and undoubtedly, the future stars of global excellence will emerge from Africa. Africa boasts some of the most unique and challenging golf course layouts globally. These courses, with their inviting tee boxes, fairways, and greens, not only prepare our golfers for prestigious events but also inspire our junior golfers to aim for greatness.

“Let our golfers showcase their skills, let golf administrators execute their duties impeccably, let the media stakeholders present the tournament to the world, and let golf development programmes flourish and nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of golf and the unity it brings to the African golfing community,” said ZGA president Martin Chikwana, who is also the vice-president of the African Golf Confederation.

Zimbabwe last hosted the tournament in 2017 at the Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls and the forthcoming event will be yet another momentous occasion.

The tournament was initially meant to take place in Seychelles.

It was, however, moved to Zimbabwe after the initial hosts declared incapacitation.

The ZGA has called on its stakeholders to walk this journey with them as it would help enhance their brand visibility. As one of Africa’s premier golfing events, it offers a platform for showcasing excellence and fostering connections within the golfing community.

The tournament will attract officials from esteemed organisations such as the Africa Golf Confederation and the R&A, further amplifying its significance on the international stage.

The previous event was hosted by Egypt in 2022 and Morocco emerged victorious, beating the then defending champions South Africa by eight shots. Morocco put up a brilliant performance to become the first country to beat the South Africans since the All-Africa Golf Team Championship was first played in South Africa in 2001.

Zimbabwe finished in sixth position in the 2022 edition.

The 2024 AAGTC promises to be a landmark event in the annals of African golfing history. By bringing together nations, athletes and stakeholders, it embodies the spirit of unity, competition and excellence.— @brandon_malvin