Nyamukondiwa replaces Wallace ahead of WATC

As the build up to the biggest amateur golf event in the world, the Amateur World Team Championship (WATC) continues, Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) has made changes to their team.

ZGA has brought in Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa to replace Michael Wallace ahead of the global showpiece. The WATC is set to held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on October 18-21.

Wallace was first named in the three-men team but now, he can’t travel due to school commitments and another experienced campaigner, Nyamukondiwa has been called up to take his place.

Wallace is in the United States of America (USA) on a scholarship and his college could not release him as he recently joined them. Nyamukondiwa is also USA based on a scholarship but his college was pleased to have him represent his country at the biggest stage.

ZGA President, Martin Chikwana confirmed the news, stating that Nyamukondiwa is another mature golfer and they are confident he will do well alongside his teammates. The other two golfers set to represent Zimbabwe at the WATC are David Amm and Keagan Shutt.

Amm took part in the 54-hole Harare Amateur where he won convincingly and Chikwana is hopeful that Amm will carry his form to the WATC.

“Preparations are going well for the World Amateur Team Championship. David Amm won the Harare Amateur Championships and he is at the peak of his game at the moment, we can hope that he retains that form.

“Michael Wallace has gone to the States where he is on a scholarship and his university were not keen to release him. He will be replaced by Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, who is also studying in the States but his college were happy to have him play at such a high level,” said Chikwana.

Nyamukondiwa and the in form Amm have played together before during the 2017 All-Africa Games which were hosted by Zimbabwe and Chikwana is confident their maturity and experience at big stages will go a long way in helping the team perform better at the tournament as they have a strong team.

Zimbabwe will be competing against some of the biggest golfing nations in the world and are looking forward to the experience.

“We will be playing against the best in the world in the likes of Italy, England, and China among others. We shouldn’t be surprised to be grouped against powerhouses. It’s huge for the players, for us to play against the best in the world is something that we can only grab by the neck and go on to showcase ourselves.

“We are excited and hopefully we can punch above our weight at the tournament,” said Chikwana.

With the team they selected, ZGA is also not just planning for the tournament but are also planning ahead with their sights set on the 2025 Singapore event. A top 36 finish will guarantee Zimbabwe automatic qualification to the next edition.

The upcoming tournament will also provide the Zimbabwean players with exposure before they turn pro by having the opportunity to shine against their peers.

Zimbabwe will be one of the 72 nations that will compete for the top honours in the Eisenhower Trophy. Zimbabwe has only failed to qualify on one occasion over the past 30 years.

However, this year they had to go through a qualification tournament where the youngsters brought their ‘A’ game and managed to book their tickets to compete against the best in the world.

The championships will be held in the Middle East for the first time since their inauguration in 1958 and this year’s edition will mark the 33rd men’s championship for the Eisenhower Trophy.

It brings together the best amateur golfers from around the world who have aspirations of collegiate golf or turning professionals.

The best players in the world have participated in the WATC and it will provide Zimbabwe’s amateurs a chance to make a name for themselves on the biggest stage.

Some of the most recognised names in the game who, in the past took part in the competition are Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, Nick Price, and Jack Nicklaus among others.

Each team competing in the tournament will have three players and play 18-holes of stroke play for four days. In each round, the total of the two best scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four day (72 hole) total is the team’s score for the championship.

WATC is the highest level of competition in amateur golf. The Zimbabwean team also goes into the tournament with experience having taken part in various events across the country.

Team Zimbabwe will also arrive at the event two days prior to the championship to have some time to walk on the course and prepare well to get the best results.

Nyamukondiwa, who replaced Wallace is also another stable and mature player and is a good addition to the Zimbabwean side. — @brandon_malvin