Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN professional golfer Kieran Vincent made a strong statement on his Sunshine Tour return, finishing tied seventh in the Kit-Kat Cash and Carry Pro-Am at Irene Country Club.
The 27-year-old, who came into the tournament as defending champion after winning at the same venue last year, held his own in a star-studded field and showed glimpses of his best form.
Now plying his trade on the Asian Tour following relegation from the lucrative LIV Golf circuit, Vincent carded impressive rounds of 70, 65, 66 and 69 to finish on 18-under-par 270.
He tied with South African Estiaan Conradie for seventh as the leader-board became increasingly congested in the race for second, where four players were locked on 20-under-par.
But it was Mexican sensation Luis Carrera who stole the spotlight, making Sunshine Tour history by becoming the first golfer to win the Qualifying School and then the opening two events of the new season.
Carrera’s dominant 10-stroke victory on 30-under-par capped a remarkable run that began with a final-round 61 to clinch the Qualifying School in April. He followed that up by claiming his maiden tour title at the FBC Zimbabwe Open last week.
“These are the first two tournaments of the Sunshine Tour’s new 2025/26 season,” read a statement from the tour. Carrera’s victory represents the growing global stature of the Sunshine Tour and its ability to attract some of the world’s most exciting young professionals.”
The Mexican star has already earned nearly R1 million in prize money during his brief Sunshine Tour stint.
“It feels amazing. It’s a wonderful feeling,” said Carrera. “I played some of the best golf of my life and I’m happy about that. The Irene Country Club is a great golf course. I really enjoyed playing here.”
Carrera led from the front on Sunday, opening with back-to-back birdies before adding three more on the outward nine.
He began the back nine with an eagle and a birdie, then sealed the deal with two closing birdies, underlining his status as the Sunshine Tour’s breakout star.
Dylan Frittelli, playing on his childhood course, was Carrera’s closest challenger heading into the final round but stumbled to a 73 and had to settle for a share of ninth.
Meanwhile, a group of Sunshine Tour stalwarts, Oliver Bekker, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Jonathan Broomhead and Gerhard Pepler, all tied for second on 20-under-par. Vincent, the defending champion, wrapped up his tournament on 18-under for a share of seventh, proving he still has the game to mix it with the best.
