Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
LAST Sunday, leading Zimbabwean professional golfer Robson Chinhoi achieved a career-best seventh-place finish at the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open, held at Royal Harare Golf Club. The event marked the start of the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour season. Chinhoi is currently competing in the second tournament, the Kit Kat Cash and Carry Pro-Am, at Irene Golf Club in South Africa.
Chinhoi’s journey at the Zimbabwe Open began in 2017, where he missed the cut. His previous best finish in the country’s flagship golf tournament was 24th place in 2023.
In this year’s competition, Chinhoi finished in a tie for seventh alongside Kyle De Beer, Samuel Simpson, and veteran Hennie Otto. The 34-year-old carded a six-under-par 282.
Chinhoi opened the championship with a round of 71, followed by a superb 68 in the second round — his best ever at the event. He then shot a level-par 72 in the third round before closing with a 71 on Sunday, securing his highest Zimbabwe Open finish to date.
He finished 12 strokes behind the champion, Luis Carrera of Mexico.
Chinhoi’s performance in front of a home crowd impressed Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana. Chikwana praised him not only as a golfer but also as a person. Chinhoi was among the most followed players at the tournament.
“We are very proud of him. What makes me even more proud is that I’ve seen him grow. I was captain of Hillside Golf Club back in the day, and he was coming through as a young player. I always tell the story that I had won the club championships five years in a row, and the next person to win was Robson. I’m so proud of him because I’ve known him from a very early age. To see him not only playing here but also building relationships wherever he goes is remarkable.
“We have people from Kenya saying Robson speaks Swahili, and people from South Africa saying he speaks Zulu.
He’s worked hard and established himself internationally, spreading a positive image of Zimbabwe. We are incredibly proud of him, and I urge the nation to join me in congratulating Robson,” said Chikwana.
However, Chikwana expressed concern over the lack of sponsorship for the one-time Sunshine Tour winner. He called on the corporate sector to support one of Zimbabwe’s brightest golfing talents, enabling him to reach his full potential.
“This is a very demanding sport, and we need all the support we can get. We encourage corporates and anyone willing to partner with Robson to step forward and help him go even further. Right now, you’ll notice he has a different caddie each time, which doesn’t help. A consistent caddie is crucial for making the right decisions at the right time.
“He also needs a psychologist to walk with him on the fairways, ensuring his mental game is strong. A swing coach and a physical trainer should be by his side. As far as I know, Robson doesn’t currently have that support team.
Zimbabwe must step up and ensure he gets the assistance he needs to succeed at major events. Let’s rally behind him and help him reach the pinnacle of his potential,” Chikwana said.
@brandon_malvin
