8 Top amateur golfers in SA for African championsh...

8 Top amateur golfers in SA for African championships

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe's top amateur golfers are showcasing their talents at the prestigious Africa Amateur Championship, being held at the Leopard Creek Golf Course in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The tournament commenced on February 3 and is set to conclude tomorrow.

The Zimbabwean contingent comprises eight skilled players, namely:

Vincent Chidambazina – Hillside Golf Club, Mutare

Kelvin Muchenje – ZRP Golf Club, Harare

Keegan Shutt – Royal Harare Golf Club

Darlington Chikanyambidze – Royal Harare Golf Club

Shepherd Chiwaya – Wingate Park Golf Club, Harare

Elton Zulu – Bindura Golf Club

Michael Wallace – Royal Harare Golf Club

Tanaka Chatora – Royal Harare Golf Club

These players earned their spots based on their World Amateur Golf Rankings, past performances, and standings at the All Africa Golf Team Championship held in Bulawayo in October 2024.

In the opening round, 18-year-old Tanaka Chatora delivered an exceptional performance, carding a seven-under-par 65 to secure the lead. His round was highlighted by two eagles and five birdies, demonstrating remarkable resilience after early bogeys.

Reflecting on his performance, Chatora stated, "I'm very happy with how I came back. The two bogeys that I made were pretty much unforced errors... It kind of annoyed me in the moment, but I got past it very well, and I'm very happy to have managed to bring it back on the back nine."

As the tournament progressed, South Africa's Roelof Craig surged to the top of the leaderboard after the second round, posting consecutive four-under-par 68s to reach an eight-under total. Chatora faced challenges in the subsequent round, recording a 75, which placed him at four-under-par heading into the final stages.

The Africa Amateur Championship, under the auspices of The R&A, offers the winner exemptions into esteemed tournaments, including The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and The Amateur Championship.

Meanwhile, tThe Zimbabwe Golf Association has expressed gratitude to The R&A for their unwavering support, covering expenses such as airfare and accommodation for players and officials.

ZGA President and head of delegation, Martin Chikwana, remarked, "This is the second time that this competition is being hosted, and we expect our golfers to do well, building on how they performed last year... It is also going to be an opportunity for the Zimbabwe Golf Association leadership to engage with The R&A to reflect on the progress being made on the number of projects that are currently being implemented with its assistance."

And as the championship approaches its conclusion, Zimbabwean golfers remain determined to make a significant impact, showcasing their talent and resilience on this prominent stage.