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Brandon Moyo
THE Zimbabwe Ladies Golf Union (ZLGU) president, Olivia Nyamwanza, is optimistic about the prospects of the country’s three female representatives at the second edition of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, set to take place at the prestigious Leopard Creek in South Africa from 5 to 8 February.
The Women’s Invitational, which coincides with the Africa Amateur Championship (men), forms part of the R&A’s (world governing body outside the Americas) strategy to provide a world-class platform for Africa’s most promising amateur golfers.
These tournaments reflect the R&A’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating pathways to elevate the standard of amateur golf across the continent.
Zimbabwe will be represented by 15-year-old Miriam Masiya, Primrose Chikwaya and Danielle Bekker at the Women’s Invitational. All three are ranked among the top 10 female golfers in the country, with Masiya holding the number one spot.
Chikwaya and Bekker are studying in the United States of America (USA) on golf scholarships and are all in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
“The girls travelling to Mpumalanga for the All Africa Women’s Invitational are among the top 10 lady golfers in Zimbabwe. They are also part of the R&A High Performance Programme, an intensive initiative that has significantly improved their game.
As we head to Leopard Creek, we wish them the very best. Play well and bring the trophy home,” said Nyamwanza.
In last year’s inaugural event, also held at Leopard Creek, Zimbabwe’s Margaret Nyamukondiwa and Kudzai Mandava finished tied for ninth and 11th respectively. The tournament was won by South Africa’s Kyra van Kan.
On the men’s side, Zimbabwe will be represented by eight players at the Africa Amateur Championship, Tanaka Chatora, Keegan Shutt, Kelvin Muchenje, Darlington Chikanyambize, Elton Zulu, Vincent Chidambazina and Shepherd Chiwaya.
Six of the players enjoyed excellent preparation ahead of the championship, having competed in the Dugmore Trophy, which was won by Chatora at Bulawayo Golf Club last weekend. Others are currently participating in the GolfRSA International Amateur, which began at Royal Johannesburg on Tuesday.
At last year’s inaugural championship, Zimbabwe’s Matthew Bramford was one of the standout performers, securing a fourth-place finish with an impressive 10-under-par 288.
His round scores of 65, 74, 71, and 68 placed him just three shots behind the leading trio of Altin Van der Merwe, Christian Maas, and Ivan Vester, who all shot 13-under-par. Van der Merwe eventually claimed victory after a play-off.
Zimbabwe’s Keegan Shutt also made history during the tournament, setting a course record at Leopard Creek with a remarkable 10-under-par 62 in the fourth round.
Shutt, who has represented Zimbabwe in various international championships, started on the 10th tee and made six birdies on his front nine before adding shots on his 11th and 12th holes, followed by a brilliant eagle on the 15th.
He finished the tournament tied for eighth place with a level-par 288.
The upcoming Africa Amateur Championship will feature 72 men from across the African region competing in a 72-hole stroke play format. The winner will earn an exemption into the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
Last year’s inaugural Africa Amateur Championship and Women’s Invitational, held simultaneously at Leopard Creek, marked a significant milestone in the development of amateur golf in Africa.
Online Reporter