Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Sports Correspondent
GOLF is increasingly being positioned as a potential driver of sports tourism in Manicaland, with a team of golfers from the Eastern Highlands, Eastern Highlands Swingers, stepping up efforts to bring together players from different parts of the country while showcasing the province’s golf courses and tourism attractions.
Eastern Highlands Swingers brings together golfers affiliated to Hillside Golf Club, Chimanimani Country Club, Leopard Rock Golf Club, Claremont Golf Club and Troutbeck Golf Club, among other courses.
The latest initiative saw 37 golfers converge at Hillside Golf Club for the Munhumutapa Golf Day, where Tatenda Mukombe emerged winner of the 18-hole medal competition on Munhumutapa Day on Tuesday.
Farai Chimwaza finished second, with Lawrence Mazungunye taking third place and Hapson Maposa completing the top four.
Held as part of celebrations marking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday, the tournament provided more than just competition, with organisers using the occasion to promote interaction among golfers and highlight the Eastern Highlands as a destination for sport and leisure.
One of the Eastern Highlands Swingers conveners, Kurainashe Mugwagwa, who was also part of the organisers, said the turnout reflected growing interest in golf, and presented an opportunity to use the sport to promote tourism in the province.
“It really was a great turnout, both in celebrating His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday, and as an event meant to unify the community of Manicaland through sport. We had a great time, and the response from the golfers was encouraging,” said Mugwagwa.
He said the group is keen to build on such events by attracting golfers from outside the province and encouraging them to combine golf with visits to the region’s tourism attractions.
“Events such as this give us an opportunity to build stronger relationships, attract more players to the province, and showcase what the Eastern Highlands can offer. We are geared up for more activities, and we believe golf can play an important role in driving sports tourism across Manicaland,” he said.
The swingers already have another busy weekend lined up later this month, with golfers expected to combine sporting activities with tourism in Nyanga.
“On September 26, Eastern Highlands Swingers will be joining the marathon in Nyanga, and will also play at Claremont Golf Club together with golfers from the Lowveld who are coming for a two-day tour. We will play Claremont on Saturday (September 26) and Hillside Golf Club on Sunday (September 27),” added Mugwagwa.
He said the planned tour will give visiting golfers an opportunity to experience the province’s courses while also sampling its tourism attractions.
“This is a major boost for sports tourism in the Eastern Highlands because it brings golfers from different parts of the country into our province, giving them an opportunity to play on our courses while experiencing our tourism attractions,” he said.
The group also includes golfers based at clubs in Harare who have links to Manicaland.
The growing network is creating opportunities for golfers to travel between courses while strengthening relationships among players and clubs.
For Manicaland, which is known for its mountains, resorts and scenic landscapes, organisers believe golf can complement the province’s established tourism offerings.
The strategy also has the potential to encourage visitors to extend their stays, particularly when tournaments and golf tours are combined with other attractions and activities.
The Munhumutapa Golf Day was therefore another step in the broader effort to use golf as a platform for community interaction, sporting development and tourism promotion.
With more activities planned, the Eastern Highlands Swingers are looking to sustain the momentum and strengthen the province’s profile as a destination for golfers and sports tourists.
