Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ALL eyes turn to Bulawayo this Saturday as Harry Allen Golf Club hosts one of the most anticipated qualifiers for the 2025 Sterling Group International Pairs, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament.
Running concurrently with Troutbeck Golf Club in Nyanga, the qualifiers are part of a broader campaign to marry competitive sport with national tourism, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s growing status as a destination of choice for sports travellers.
The 2025 edition of the Sterling Group International Pairs Golf Tournament was officially launched last week in Harare under the theme “Tee off for travel, discover the beauty of Zimbabwe.” The campaign builds on the 2024 objective of leveraging golf to bolster Zimbabwe’s sports tourism industry and attract international attention.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, who officiated the colourful launch ceremony, underscored the synergy between sport and tourism in promoting the country.
“In 2024, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Albatross Golf Company with specific objectives that include collaborating to promote domestic tourism through the sport of golf, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination during the International Finals, which attract participants from over 30 countries, and developing golf packages for the international market in line with our goals,” said Mnangagwa.
“The 2024 International Pairs tournament was thus rebranded to achieve some of these objectives.
Furthermore, the strategic rotation of venues for the National Finals aligns seamlessly with His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s mantra of ‘leaving no place behind,’ with previous events having been held in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo,” he added.
Sterling Group chairperson Wilbert Manyika reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the tournament.
“We are proud to play our part in advancing sports development and domestic tourism, particularly through golf. Our partnership ensures broad participation across all levels. As our hotel group continues to expand, we also aim to grow this tournament into the flagship amateur golf event in Zimbabwe,” said Manyika.
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana also weighed in, highlighting the sport’s significant contribution to the economy.
“Golf significantly contributes to domestic tourism and the economy. Significant amounts are spent on fuel, food, and accommodation when one travels for such tournaments. With continued synergies and support, even greater contributions can be witnessed,” said Chikwana.
The International Pairs tournament is open to players of all genders and ages, and it continues to empower the everyday amateur golfer, a group that makes up over 95 percent of the country’s golfing population.
With increased corporate backing this year, the 2025 edition is set to be the most lucrative to date. The support aims to help the ZTA and Sterling Group meet key tourism and development objectives tied to the tournament.
This year’s National Finals will be staged at the scenic Mutola Hills Golf Course in Mhondoro-Ngezi in September, while the international finals will return to the iconic Sun City Golf Course in South Africa, a venue that has previously hosted elite tournaments such as the Million Dollar Challenge, once won by Zimbabwean legend Nick Price.
Defending national champions Litchel Maniveyi and Nothando Namuinesu will be looking to defend their crown as the race to Sun City begins in earnest.
