Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Lt. General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, has hailed the prestigious FBC Zimbabwe Open as a shining symbol of the country’s rich sporting heritage and legacy.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 edition of the FBC Zimbabwe Open, set to tee off at the picturesque Royal Harare Golf Club on Thursday, Sanyatwe paid tribute to the tournament’s historical significance and global appeal.
He applauded the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) for preserving the spirit of excellence embodied by golfing icons like Nick Price, Tony Johnstone, and Mark McNulty, whose achievements on international fairways continue to inspire generations.
“My Ministry would like to commend the Zimbabwe Golf Association for spearheading yet another successful Zimbabwe Open Golf Tournament. We fully support this tournament, which has consistently elevated the country’s image through the swing. We applaud golf athletes for their earnest and persistent strides to continuously raise the country’s image, as its brand ambassadors when participating in regional, continental, and international competitions. “In line with the Second Republic’s thrust to establish sporting facilities countrywide, as enshrined in the NDS1, Zimbabwe Golf has set out to establish world-class golf courses across our country, in an effort to support the relentless spirit of our athletes. Today, we are privileged to see the fruits of that heritage as we host a world-class tournament attracting both local and international talent,” said Sanyatwe.
The Minister also emphasised the tournament’s potential to boost sports tourism, reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a premier golfing destination.
“Beyond the fairways, golf offers us a unique opportunity to expand and diversify Zimbabwe’s tourism portfolio. Our country’s beautiful landscapes, coupled with a favourable sunny climate, make Zimbabwe an ideal destination for golf tourism. We recognise that sport, and golf in particular, is a powerful driver of travel, investment, and national branding. To that end, we are committed to positioning Zimbabwe as a premier golfing and leisure destination on the African continent and the world at large,” he said. This year’s event retains FBC Holdings as title sponsor, with a US$200 000 prize fund, placing it among the top three events on the Sunshine Tour. Sanyatwe hailed FBC and other sponsors for their unwavering support.
“Today’s success would not be possible without the steadfast support of the corporate sector. We are especially grateful to FBC Holdings, the Title Sponsor, as well as other sponsors and partners, who have come on board. Your investment speaks volumes about the value you place on sport as a tool for national development, economic growth and community empowerment.
“Through events like the FBC Zimbabwe Open, we see the tangible benefits that sport brings to our economy, from tourism earnings to employment opportunities across hospitality, logistics, event management and media industries. Golf creates a ripple effect that touches many livelihoods downstream, far beyond the players on the course.
“Importantly, I am well informed that the FBC Zimbabwe Open 2025 is also taking a bold step beyond sport through the launch of the Zimbabwe Open Wellness Fund under the inspiring theme ‘Swing for Wellness.’ This initiative dovetails well with my Ministry’s drive to ensure an active nation and our shared belief that sport must serve as a platform to uplift our communities. This year’s focus on cancer awareness and treatment will help save lives and build a healthier nation. I call upon all stakeholders, corporate citizens, and individuals alike to support this noble cause generously.
“I am confident that the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open shall be an unforgettable celebration of sport, legacy and social impact. Let us all work together to ensure its success, in partial fulfilment of our obligation to continue nurturing Zimbabwe’s sporting excellence for generations to come. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Zimbabwe Open Committee, the Zimbabwe Golf Association, the Sunshine Tour, all sponsors and partners and volunteers, for their tireless efforts in organising and sponsoring this world-class event,” said the Minister.
A field of at least 144 golfers, including 11 amateurs, will take to the greens at Royal Harare. Defending champion Michael Hollick is among the big names lined up to compete. The Zimbabwe Open also serves as the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour season opener.
Peter Tanyanyiwa