Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
ZIMBABWE’S golf sensation Darlington Chikanyambidze has once again proved why he’s the country’s hottest rising star after finishing as the top-placed Zimbabwean in the opening round of the 2025 World Amateur Team Championship (WATC) in Singapore.
Teeing off at the prestigious Tanah Merah Country Club, Chikanyambidze fired a solid three-over-par 75, placing him tied for 67th – just ten strokes behind overnight leader Hiroshi Hirahara Tai of Singapore.
The big-hitting 25-year-old marked his Eisenhower Trophy debut with a steady round that featured one birdie on the second hole, but dropped shots on holes 4, 6, 14 and 15. Despite the bogeys, Chikanyambidze’s composure under pressure stood out.
“I’m proud of how I handled the course today. It’s tricky out there, but there’s still a lot of golf to be played,” he said after his round.
Teammates Munesu Chimhini, just 14 years old, and Elton Zulu found the going tougher in the humid Singapore heat. Chimhini carded an eight-over 80 to sit in position 103, while Zulu battled to an 11-over 83, leaving him in 107th spot.
On the team leaderboard, Zimbabwe are in 35th place, second from bottom, with a combined 11-over-par 155 after counting the best two scores – Chikanyambidze and Chimhini.
Only South Africa and Morocco joined Zimbabwe in flying the African flag. South Africa, meanwhile, are turning heads after finishing the day in second place on five-under-par 139, just two strokes behind leaders Mexico.
As round two looms, all eyes will be on Chikanyambidze to lead another fightback and lift Zimbabwe up the leaderboard.
@brandon_malvin
