Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S first nationwide schools golf championship is gathering steam, with the finals now firmly in sight.
The Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) backed Naph-Nash Schools Inter-Provincial Golf Team Championship is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at developing junior golfers at both primary and secondary school level across the country.
It’s designed to unearth young talent and build a structured pipeline for the future of Zimbabwean golf.
The inaugural finals will be staged on September 26 and 27 at Police Golf Club in Harare.
In the lead up, provincial qualifying tournaments are being held across all ten provinces, Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands.
The qualifiers began in February, starting with Harare Province. So far, four provinces, Harare, Bulawayo, Manicaland, and Matabeleland North, have already hosted their qualifying events.
Each provincial event will determine the top performers who’ll go on to represent their province at the national finals.
In the secondary schools category, the top six boys and six girls with the best stroke play scores will qualify.
For primary schools, two boys and two girls from each province will earn a place at the finals.
“Golf is a lifelong sport with numerous benefits for children. Starting at a young age helps build physical fitness, hand eye co-ordination and social interaction.
It fosters patience, focus, and perseverance, while offering a safe, low impact environment for children to stay active.
By encouraging time spent outdoors, golf promotes mental well-being and nurtures valuable emotional and social skills that prepare children for life beyond sport,” read a tournament statement.
The Naph-Nash schools golf programme is also playing a vital role in building and strengthening junior golf administrative structures across all provinces.
In regions where such structures don’t yet exist, this tournament lays the foundation for sustainable development. In areas where systems are already in place, it enhances and expands ongoing efforts.
Set to become an annual fixture, the championship aims to be Zimbabwe’s flagship junior golf development platform, expanding in size, influence, and national visibility each year.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Amateur Championship tees off this Friday at Chapman Golf Club.
