Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Open will headline the 2026 Zimbabwe Golf Association calendar, which was officially rolled out this week, setting the tone for a busy year anchored by elite competition and a packed amateur programme.
The calendar, which mainly targets amateurs, features a strong mix of high profile local and international tournaments and reflects steady growth from last season.
ZGA administrator Tirivashe Nheweyembwa confirmed the dates, noting that the 2026 schedule carries more events than the previous year and introduces a new opener.
“The 2026 National Calendar of events is out and we have already shared with all the golf clubs and players so that they start planning. We have we have a new tournament this year which is going to be the opener called PaRuwa Open a Pro Am and it shall be played at Ruwa Golf Club.
“Dougmore and Fellowship which used to be the traditional opener has been moved to March after a request by the host Bulawayo Golf Club sighting that the tournament may face challenges as the course would be water logged.
“Our expectations are that all the tournaments will receive good numbers,” said Nheweyembwa.
Top local amateur players will launch their 2026 campaigns outside the country, with the South Africa Stroke Play Championship opening the calendar from January 26 to 30 at Pretoria Country Club in South Africa.
The amateurs will remain in the neighbouring country for the African Amateur Championship, scheduled for February 4 to 7 at Royal Joburg East, followed by the Men GolfRSA International Amateur at Houghton Club in Johannesburg from February 10 to 13.
Local competition resumes with the Ruwa Open from February 14 to 15, before the Mixed Julius Robinson Trophy at Wingate Golf Club in late February. The Dugmore Trophy will follow in Bulawayo from March 21 to 22, becoming the third tournament staged in the city during that period.
2026 Calendar of events
Men SA Amateur Championship Pretoria Country Club, South Africa (January 26 to 30)
African Amateur Championship Royal Joburg East, South Africa
(February 4 to 7)
Men GolfRSA International Amateur Houghton Club, Johannesburg, South Africa (February 10 to 13)
Ruwa Open Ruwa Golf Club
(February 14 to 15)
