Carrera in historic win

Brandon Moyo at Royal Harare Golf Club

IN a stunning turn of events at Royal Harare Golf Club, Mexico’s Luis Carrera shattered a two decade long pattern of South African dominance to become the first non-South African golfer in 24 years to win the Zimbabwe Open.

Carrera, who only last month triumphed at the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School, claimed a commanding four stroke victory over Australian Austin Bautista in the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open, rewriting the tournament’s history in emphatic style.

His win also marks the first time since Jean Hugo in 1999 that a golfer has clinched the Zimbabwe Open on their Sunshine Tour debut.

“I would really like to thank the Sunshine Tour because now I’m part of it, l love it,” said an elated Carrera. “I would also like to thank the Zimbabwe Open team, the staff, and the greenkeepers, the course was magnificent. All the spectators and supporters, that was the best. I appreciate everyone who supported me; they were loud on the golf course every time I made a putt, a birdie, or a tee shot. That was great. I loved the great attitude from the whole crowd, so amazing, gave me an excellent pump.”

Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana hailed the success of the tournament and underscored the significance of Carrera’s victory for the sport in Zimbabwe.

“The 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open has come, and it has been a splendid event, full of fun and fanfare,” Chikwana said. “For a change, the event hasn’t been won by a South African, it has been won by somebody from Mexico, which makes a statement that this can be won by anyone in the world. It’s something that puts Zimbabwe on the map. We are so thrilled. The fans came through in numbers, the fairways were thronged with spectators. They were really in the mix and enjoying the game.

“It has been a successful event. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us. Everyone speaks well of it, and hopefully they will be there again next year.”

Carrera finished the tournament on 18-under-par 270, with Bautista four shots behind on 14-under-par 274.
Starting the final round on Sunday with a one-shot lead at 14-under-par, Carrera made an early statement with an eagle on the par-five 3rd hole.

He added a birdie and a bogey on the front nine, followed by another bogey on the par-three 11th. But he rallied with birdies on the 14th, 16th, and 18th to seal a memorable win.

Bautista carded a final round 71 – one under par with four birdies and three bogeys.
Sweden’s Fredrik From and South Africa’s MJ Viljoen tied for third at nine-under-par 279, while Trevor Fisher Jnr claimed fifth place on eight-under-par 280. Jean Hugo, the 1999 champion, finished sixth on seven-under-par 281.

Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi was the highest placed local golfer, finishing tied for seventh on six-under-par 282 after a final-round 71. He shared the spot with Kyle de Beer, Hennie Otto, and Samuel Simpson.

Stuart Krog tied for 20th on two-under-par 286. Visitor Mapwanya, Shaahid Mahmed, and Tonderayi Masunga all finished tied for 39th at one-over-par 289.

Nyasha Muyambo placed 53rd on four-over-par 292, just ahead of Ryan Cairns in 55th on five-over-par 293.