Two clubs complete qualifiers as golf fever grips Zim

Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

With golf bags packed and fairways calling, the race for a spot at the 2025 Sterling International Pairs Finals is officially underway, with two clubs already teeing off their qualifiers in style.

Aspindale Golf and Sports Club were the first to get things rolling, holding their qualifier on May 17 for what is considered the world’s biggest amateur golf tournament.

Meanwhile, Chapman Golf Club in Harare and Troutbeck Golf Club in Nyanga, who were also scheduled to host qualifiers, had their matches postponed. Chapman’s event has been moved to this Wednesday, while Troutbeck’s has been rescheduled for June 21.

This Wednesday, Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club will stage their qualifier, followed by Roland Park Golf Club and Bindura Golf Club on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Then, four more clubs will tee off on Saturday, Hwange Golf Club, Wingate Park Golf Club (first qualifier), Triangle Country Club (first qualifier), and Chegutu Country Club, completing a packed week of action.

Beyond that, eight more qualifiers are lined up to round off the month of June. These include the second Chapman event (June 21), Hillside Golf Club (June 25), ZRP Golf Club’s first qualifier (June 25), and four qualifiers on June 28, Elephant Hills, Marondera Country and Golf Club, Falcon Golf Club, and ZRP Golf Club (second qualifier).

Tournament co-ordinator Shameon Mazvarira expressed excitement about the tournament’s momentum.

“So far, we’ve had a few clubs host their qualifiers and I’m pleased to say everything has gone well. It has been a successful start to this year’s edition of the Sterling International Pairs, and we are looking forward to more interesting games,” said Mazvarira.

“We are happy with how we’ve started and where we are headed. Everything is well on course and competition is high among all the clubs. This year, we’re taking things a step further, we are growing bigger.”

This year’s tournament runs under the theme: “Tee Off for Travel, Discover the Beauty of Zimbabwe.”

Open to players of all genders and age groups, the Sterling International Pairs continues to celebrate the amateur golfer, the backbone of the sport, who represent over 95 percent of Zimbabwe’s golfing population.

With rising corporate backing, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be the most lucrative yet, aligning closely with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Sterling Group’s vision of sport as a vehicle for destination marketing and national development.

The National Finals will take place in September at the scenic Mulota Hills Golf Course in Mhondoro-Ngezi. The winners will then head to the prestigious Sun City Golf Course in South Africa for the International Finals, a venue rich in history and once home to the famed Million Dollar Challenge,  won by Zimbabwean golf legend Nick Price.

— @brandon_malvin.