Robson Chinhoi tees up for glory

PROFESSIONAL golfer Robson Chinhoi is once again making waves in the international golfing community. After his historic victory in Zambia last month he has now been nominated for the prestigious Sunshine Tour Player of the Month for May. This nomination places him among an elite group of three nominees, all hailing from South Africa.

The other three nominees are Neil Schietekat, the 2023 FBC Zimbabwe Open Champion, Louis Albertse, the triumphant KitKat Cash and Carry Pro-Am champion, and the seasoned veteran Hennie Otto, who emerged victorious in the SunBet Challenge hosted by Sun City. However, Chinhoi’s inclusion in this list serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and the impact he has made on the sport.

Chinhoi’s nomination comes on the heels of his resounding triumph in the 2023 Zanaco Masters Championship. With this win, he secured his place in history as the second black Zimbabwean to claim a Sunshine Tour title, following in the footsteps of Tongoona ‘TC’ Charamba, who achieved this feat back in 2006. Notably, Charamba went on to win the 2008 MTC Namibia PGA Championship, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the world of golf.

Throughout the month of May, the 32-year-old showcased his exceptional skills by participating in four tournaments. Impressively, he made the cut in three of these events, narrowly missing out on the SunBet Challenge. The tournaments in which he competed include the FBC Zimbabwe Open, Zanaco Masters, and the KitKat Cash and Carry Pro-Am.

At the FBC Zimbabwe Open, held at the esteemed Royal Harare Golf Club, Chinhoi finished in 24th position with a score of two-over-par 290. Among the Zimbabwean players, he was the third-highest ranked, with Kieran Vincent securing a commendable tie for sixth place and Biggie Chibvuri sharing the 18th position with four other players.

Chinhoi’s most notable achievement, however, was becoming the first indigenous black man to triumph in a Sunshine Tour sanctioned tournament in Zambia. In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, he competed against Neil Schietekat, with both players finishing the four rounds tied at an impressive 17-under-par 271.

The suspense reached its peak during the playoff, where Chinhoi ultimately secured the victory by sinking a five-foot putt for a birdie, while Schietekat finished with a level par.

Throughout the tournament, Chinhoi’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. In the first round, he showcased his prowess with six birdies, ending the day with a score of 66.

Continuing his remarkable form, he followed up with five birdies in the second round, carding a solid score of 67. Although the third round presented some challenges, including two bogeys in the front nine, Chinhoi rebounded admirably in the back nine, shooting four birdies and concluding the round with a score of 70.

Heading into the fourth and final round with a two-shot lead over Schietekat, Chinhoi displayed nerves of steel. In the front nine, he added two more birdies to his tally.

The back nine witnessed a thrilling battle between the two competitors, with Chinhoi securing three birdies but also conceding one bogey on the 17th hole. His final round score of 68 ultimately led to a tie with the experienced Schietekat, who posted an impressive fourth-round score of 66, featuring seven birdies and one bogey.

The ensuing playoff saw Chinhoi triumph, shooting one under par while his opponent managed to maintain a steady level par.
As the voting remains open on https://youtu.be/EVTtEgLzNX4the Sunshine Tour website, supporters of Chinhoi and fans of the sport are encouraged to cast their votes and show their unwavering support for the exceptional golfer.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—Chinhoi’s star continues to ascend, and his journey in the world of golf is just beginning.
— @brandon_malvin