Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THREE months into the start of the 2025 edition of the Sterling International Pairs, just four qualifying events remain before the national finals scheduled for Mulota Golf Club in Mhondoro-Ngezi on 14 September.
Running under the theme: “Tee off for travel, discover the beauty of Zimbabwe,” this year’s edition is set to be the biggest to date and clubs across the country have been hard at work, hosting their respective qualifiers.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), who are part of the tournament partners, are looking to increase domestic sport tourism in the country in line with the government’s tourism plan.
To date, 26 qualifiers have been completed nationwide, with 1 280 golfers taking to the green in different clubs.
Among the teams already qualified are the 2022 champions, Tinashe Tom and Vumindaba Moyo from Norton Golf Club, who triumphed in their club qualifiers with an impressive 47 points, outperforming second-place finishers Tobias Kaitano and Kundai Mahembe,who managed 41 points.
Tom expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Winning our club qualifier again feels incredible. We are looking forward to representing Norton at the National Final and hopefully returning to the World Final again.”
At Bulawayo Country Club, the competition was fierce, with Kenny Moyo and Thabani Ndlovu clinching their qualifying spot with a stellar score of 45 points. They edged out Clarence Sibanda and Mark Ndlovu, who secured the second qualifying slot.
Notably, former Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwana also participated, demonstrating the significance of the tournament.
Another highlight from the qualifiers took place at Bulawayo Golf Club where Kudzi Chombo and Kudzai Kamhuka delivered an outstanding performance with a score of 49 points. They were followed by Chris Bannister and Chippy Chapener who finished on 46 points.
The Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament continues to garner interest, drawing participants from various age groups, including young talent as young as nine. This year’s tournament, the fifth edition, has seen a 20% increase in participation from the previous editions.
Winners from the National Final at Mulota Golf Club will earn the coveted opportunity to compete at the World Final in October, which will be held at the renowned Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City, South Africa.
With the preparations of the National Final firmly underway the qualified golfers have started preparations for the grand finale.
