Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will host the 2026 Zimbabwe Amateur Golf Championship at Chapman Golf Club from July 31 to August 2, with seven countries set to compete, including new entrant China.
The tournament, run by the Zimbabwe Golf Association, is the country’s premier amateur event and a key World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
The men’s winner often earns automatic entry into the Zimbabwe Open.
This year’s edition has an addition to its international outlook with an Asian flavour brought by the coming in of China for the first time.
There are also familiar names with players from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Ethiopia having confirmed their participation.
ZGA president Blessed Gandawa said preparations for the championships are well on track.
“We are happy to be hosting this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe Amateur Golf Championship at Chapman early next month.
“So far, we have some countries that have confirmed their availability,” Gandawa said.
“The Zimbabwe Amateur Championship is of paramount importance as it gives our upcoming golfers a chance to compete against some of the elite golfers from across the continent.
“The home course is moving with time in terms of preparations, and the course is in a good state.
“Chapman is an international course that is already to hosted world-class tournaments.”
Local amateurs will be targeting the title currently held by South Africa’s teenage sensation, Nathan van Royen. Van Royen won last year by five strokes ahead of Keegan Shutt.
As has now become the tradition, the event, which also spurs on sport tourism, is expected to attract top regional talent and give Zimbabwe’s rising golfers a chance to gauge their pedigree against some of the finest in continental amateur golf talent.
It will also provide a platform for them to assess their readiness for tougher competitions such as the flagship tourney — the Zimbabwe Open.
