Zimpapers Reporter
Zimbabwean golfing sensation Ayanda Ndlovu fired a bogey-free 10-under-par 62 at the Luangwa Junior Challenge in Zambia before winning the boys’ 10-year-old title by a staggering 22 shots.
The 10-year-old Chapman Golf Club golfer finished six-under-par at Bonanza Golf Course in Lusaka, delivering one of the standout performances of his young career and underlining his growing potential on the international junior circuit.
His opening-round 62 featured 10 birdies and was the lowest round and his 72 3rd day score joint second-lowest score of the championship, according to the tournament’s official highlights. It was also nine shots better than the next-best championship score across the age groups.
For his family, the victory rewards years of dedication to a sport Ayanda has pursued since the age of six.
“We are incredibly proud and overwhelmed with joy. Watching your child work so hard towards something he loves and seeing that dedication translate into such an exceptional performance is truly special,” said his parents.
“What makes this victory remarkable is not just that Ayanda won his age group, but the manner in which he won. It reflects his discipline, determination, mental strength and the countless hours he puts into improving his game.”
Ayanda said he remained focused on his game rather than his score, even after missing two eagle putts while closing both nines five-under-par.
“I just focused on one shot at a time and tried to make good decisions on every hole,” he said.
His parents attributed the performance to consistent practice, international experience and growing mental maturity, noting that competing against older golfers had helped him develop composure under pressure.
In August, Ayanda finished third at the World Junior Champions of Champions in Northern Ireland after leading for two days. He also placed fourth at the SAkids Junior Africa Challenge in Durban and qualified for the Zimbabwe Amateur Championship at just 10 years old.
“What impressed us the most in Zambia was his mental strength. After an extraordinary opening round of 10 under par, he remained focused throughout the tournament, even when things became more challenging,” said his mother Sithembubuhle Nyathi.
Although the family believed he could win, the scale of his achievement exceeded their expectations.
They said their priority was to encourage him to enjoy golf, keep improving and remain grounded rather than feel pressured to win every tournament.
Beyond the victory, the family hopes his progress will highlight the need for greater investment in junior golf in Zimbabwe.
International competition brings substantial costs, including travel, accommodation and tournament fees, making sponsorship and institutional support important for young players seeking exposure beyond their home country.
“As a family, we remain committed to nurturing his talent and ensuring that he has opportunities to compete and grow. We hope his achievements will also inspire more investment in junior golf in Zimbabwe,” Nyathi said.
They also hope his journey will encourage other young Zimbabweans to pursue their ambitions.
“Age does not limit what you can achieve when you combine passion, discipline, hard work and the right support,” she said.
Ayanda dreams of becoming a professional golfer, winning the Zimbabwe Open, competing on the PGA Tour and eventually reaching world number one. Winning the Masters and wearing its iconic Green Jacket is another ambition.
For now, he intends to keep practising, compete in more international tournaments and continue representing Zimbabwe.
His commanding victory in Zambia offers an encouraging glimpse of his potential, while highlighting the importance of sustained development and support as he pursues his ambitions.
