Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MICHAEL Wallace showed nerves of steel to beat Kelvin Muchenje in a sudden death play-off and lift the 2025 Mzilikazi Classic Golf Tournament title at Bulawayo Country Club over the weekend.
Wallace sealed victory with a birdie on the par-four 18th hole after both golfers had finished tied on level-par 216 across 54 holes. The tournament, in its third edition, drew a strong field of 80 players.
“I struggled in the first round; I didn’t really have my best stuff but then I brought it back really well in the second round. I just kept a really level head to shoot a five-under, so I was feeling really happy coming into the last round.
“ I started off quite nicely, then the wheels fell off a bit in the middle of the round, but frustration sort of got to me. Then, once we made the turn, I was like, let me just keep a much more level head and then I played really well on the back nine shooting two-under, made a good eagle on 17 to put pressure on Kelvin.
“In the play off, I got a bit of luck with the tee-shot, got some free relief from an antel and then I got a nice shot in, making a birdie.
“All in all, it was a really good week, I was happy to have won, still need to do a few more improvements going forward but I am happy with the win. I have been in a few play offs so I didn’t feel any pressure, I was just trying to replicate how I played the hole during the week,” said Wallace after his triumph.
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Blessmore Gandawa, applauded the organisers and the hosting club for delivering a top-class event.
“This tournament has been hosted very well. Everything flowed very well, I applaud the club as well, they prepared the course very well. The fairways were green, the greens were perfect, and the tee boxes were well manicured, it shows the desire by the province to grow the sport of golf.
“A turnout of 79 players is not a small feat. The competitiveness was brilliant, shown by the play off between Michael and Kelvin.
“There was a good number of very young players and ladies participating, which shows the inclusivity of golf. Being a WAGR tournament, it gives us pride and joy that we expose our players to earn points, which is critical for their standings,” said Gandawa.
Matabeleland Golf Association president Vusi Sinyoka echoed the praise, adding the tournament’s growth potential was clear.
“The tournament was a huge success and we are excited to have hosted it. We had players from all around the country. The tournament ran concurrently with the King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations and we are happy that we had a good cap for those celebrations.
We hope that it is going to grow, the signs are there. We are grateful to the sponsors who supported us,” said Sinyoka.
Muchenje had set the early pace with rounds of 70 and 69, taking a three-shot lead into the final day at five-under.
“Wallace, who had opened with a 75, clawed back with a brilliant five-under-par 67, the best round of the tournament.
The final day brought drama as Muchenje faltered with a five-over 77 while Wallace’s 74 forced the play-off.
Darlington Chikanyambidze finished third on four-over-par 220 with rounds of 79, 73 and 68.
The Mzilikazi Classic was held alongside the annual King Mzilikazi Day commemorations at Mhlahlandlela, 40km from Bulawayo. Among the participants was Bulelani Khumalo, a descendant of King Mzilikazi. — @brandon_malvin
