Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Ladies Golf union (ZLGU) president Olivia Nyamwanza has said the association is fully behind teenage prodigy, Miriam Masiya as she prepares for the forthcoming Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational scheduled for February 4-7 at Royal Johannesburg’s East Course in South Africa.
Masiya, who was in the form of her life last year, dominating the local circuit, was the only Zimbabwean female golfer invited by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrew’s (R&A) — which is the world governing body of golf outside the Americas — for this year’s championship.
A massive opportunity lies ahead for the star player with exemptions to prestigious event on the cards for the winner.
If she wins, Masiya will get exemption into the Joburg Ladies Open, The Investec South African Women’s Open, Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq, The Women’s Amateur Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open Final Qualifying.
“Our star player Miriam Masiya is headed to the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational in Johannesburg. The only girl from Zimbabwe hand picked and invited by the Royal and Ancient of Scotland this year, she has been training hard for the tournament. “We are rooting for her. We wish her well as she carries the Zimbabwean flag on her young shoulders,” said Nyamwanza.
The ZLGU boss added that this is a massive opportunity for Masiya.
“This is quite big, especially if she can qualify for the other mentioned tournaments. Investec is sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour, it’s massive, so we wish her all the success. We know she will make us proud,” she said.
The Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, and the Africa Amateur Championship will both be played at Royal Johannesburg’s East Course. These championships provide a world-class platform for Africa’s most promising amateur golfers, reflecting The R&A’s commitment to developing talent and creating pathways with the aim of elevating the standard of amateur golf across the continent.
The Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational have been developed by The R&A to nurture talent and provide a pathway for the continent’s elite amateur golfers to the international stage. The R&A group of companies was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open, golf’s original championship, and developing the sport. The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews is part of The R&A group.
Together The R&A and the USGA govern the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions with a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 108 million golfers in 149 countries and with the consent of 169 organisations from amateur and professional golf.
