Shutt, Mandava crowned champion golfers

ONE of the country’s top amateur golfers, Keegan Shutt was crowned as Zimbabwe’s new champion golfer after winning the 2024 Champion of Champions Golf Tournament, which ended at Bulawayo Country Club on Sunday.

Shutt carded an impressive three-under-par 213 after three rounds of golf. The ultimate tournament, which is one of the major events on the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) calendar is a culmination of the Club Championships that were played across various golf clubs in May.

In his first round, Shutt, who has been impressive throughout the year – shot 70 before going on to card another 70 in the second round. In his third round, he shot one-over-73. His victory came at the back of winning the Chapman Grand Slam.

Speaking after winning the tournament, Shutt said he was not sure whether he would participate in the tournament but is happy that he managed to get it right.

“It’s very special actually, before the start of the week I was not playing so well, I had taken a bit of time off after the grand slam because of examinations, so I wasn’t too sure I was going to play, but I managed to pull it off, put everything together and it worked out. I am happy to have won this event,” said Shutt.

With Shutt winning the men’s event, Kudzai Mandava shrugged off competition in the ladies’ section to be crowned the champion female golfer in the country. The Royal Harare-based golfer was impressed with the way she fared across the two days of competition.

“I am very happy to have won the tournament, it really means a lot. Overall, I think I played decently because I haven’t been playing as much golf because of other commitments, but I hope that my game will come back and this is one of the starters to get me back on track,” said Mandava.

There was an improvement in this year’s edition in terms of attendance with 21 clubs confirming, however, two could not make it.

ZGA president, Martin Chikwana said they are looking at growing the event so that all 40 golf clubs get to participate.

Chikwana said the tournament is of paramount importance as it helps celebrate all club golfers around the country. He said in future, they will be able to have all 40 clubs taking part in the Champion of Champions tournament.

“The Club Championships are really big at our golf clubs and to the same extent, the expectation is that the Champion of Champions should be as big. Last year we had around 15 or 16 clubs taking part and this year we had 21 confirmations, which means there was a huge improvement but we haven’t gotten to where we want to be, an opportunity to celebrate the club champions throughout the country.

“It is a very huge event and for those that have come this year, I say to you well done and I hope you enjoyed the hospitality that ZGA laid out for you, I hope you were well looked after. This is our way as Zimbabwe Golf of recognising the activities that are happening throughout the country. We intend to continue to grow this event and ensure that in the years to come, we should be able to have all 40 of our clubs coming to participate in this event.

“With the collaboration that we are having with the ladies, we also hope that they will come through and play a bigger part. Well done to those that have come through, and hopefully next year we will continue working together and ensure that we also celebrate our ladies at this Champion of Champions event,” said Chikwana.

The Champion of Champions tournament is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) rated event. Winners, Shutt and Mandava managed to accrue some points. The tournament is played annually. – @brandon_malvin