Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER a few near misses in the Zimbabwe Open pre-qualifier, Nathan Van Rooyen has finally punched his ticket to next year’s edition by winning the 2025 Zimbabwe Amateur Championship title at Chapman Golf Club on Sunday.
It was a proud moment for the 15 year old St. John’s College student, who beat a strong field to claim his first title on the local amateur circuit.
Van Rooyen clinched a three-shot victory in the country’s biggest amateur event, finishing ahead of runner up, Keegan Shutt.
He carded a five-over-par 293 over 72 holes, while Shutt came in at eight-over-par 296. Munesu Chimhini secured third place with a total of nine-over-par 297.
Across the four rounds, Van Rooyen was one of just three players to record an under-par round.
Reflecting on his win, he said:
“I attribute this win to my first round. I felt a bit of pressure over the last three holes of the final round. I’m thrilled to qualify for the Zimbabwe Open, I’ve missed the cut in the pre-qualifier before. The course was in good condition, and I’ll definitely be playing in more events going forward.”
Van Rooyen opened with a brilliant six-under-par 66, setting the pace early and opening a five-shot lead over Michael Wallace and Mudiwa Chikochi, who both shot 71.
His second round was a setback, a six-over 78 brought him back to level par heading into the third round. A steady even-par 72 followed, and despite closing with a five-over 77, it was enough to lift the coveted trophy.
Shutt returned rounds of 73, 76, 72, and 75, while Chimhini carded 74, 76, 75 and 72.
Meanwhile, Margaret Nyamukondiwa delivered a standout performance in the women’s championship, winning with a total of 14-over-par 302. She finished eighth overall on the combined leaderboard, the only woman in the top 10.
Nyamukondiwa shot rounds of 73, 76, 79, and 74 to seal back-to-back titles, having also won last year’s championship.
A total of 54 golfers took part in this year’s edition of the tournament.
