Zimbabwe lady golfers shine

Sports Correspondent

FRESH from conquering Zambia, Zimbabwe’s lady golfers have set their sights on underlining their emergence as a force to be reckoned with, when they host a three-nation Gilberson and Page tournament early next month.

The tournament, scheduled for July 9-12, will feature Kenya, Zambia and the hosts.

The event is part of efforts by the Zimbabwe Ladies’ Golf Union (ZLGU) to develop and promote the game in an environment that has largely been dominated by their male counterparts.

Zimbabwe recently won in the 54-stroke championship in Zambia.

“Zimbabwe Ladies’ Golf Union was invited by the Zambia Ladies’ Golf Union to participate in the amateur stroke play in a championship of over 54 holes, where a total of 12 players from Zimbabwe participated, with four players in the championship,’’ said ZLGU president Margaret Vera.

“The winner of the championship was Margret Nyamukondiwa.

“Kudzai Mandava led on the first day and we continued to dominate until the final day.”

ZLGU says it is also working with young girls in an endeavour to fight child marriages and alcoholism, which have been afflicting the younger generation.

“Junior golf development has been a key focus for the union over the past few years and a lot of work has been put into this programme to be at the point where it is now.

“Our girls have a future in golf and with the support from the corporate community, we can achieve more for the betterment of the girl child in all facets of life,” added Vera.

“With the support of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in Scotland, two of our girls — Kudzai Mandava and Primrose Chikwaya — were selected and sponsored for a week to attend the first Africa High Performance Golf Camp in South Africa, and will be going again in July 2023.’’

Vera said all is set for the Gilberson and Page Challenge Trophy competition.

“We are looking forward to retaining the Gilberson and Page Challenge Trophy in July 2023, where we are going to host Kenya and Zambia for the championship division.

“The two test matches will be played at Chapman Golf Club on July 9 and the second match at Royal Harare Golf Club on July 12, where foursomes are going to be played in the morning and singles in the afternoon.”