ZimGolf Issue 1

A COURSE WITHTHE FUNNY TEE CUP

DUGMORE BULAWAYO TOURNAMENT UPDATES

KEEGAN SHUTT SETS NEW RECORD.

Managing partner

Ted Courage Lazaro

Editor in Chief

T.Nheweyembwa

Story Editor

Latwell Nyangu

Publisher

Digital Pulse Creative Agency

Photographer

Tadiwanashe Chakonda

Keegan Shutt sets new course record.

All in the Amateur Championship Tournament at Leopard Greek

Top Amateur Golfer Keegan Shutt set a new course record at the Leopard Creek Golf course on the last round during the African Amateur Championship tournament held recently. The inaugural tournament which brought together players from the African continent based on their standings on the World Amateur Ranking was bankrolled by the R&A as a way of promoting Golf in Africa. Keegan being one of the players on WAGR was invited alongside players like Innocent Mukumba, Matthew Bramford and Tanaka Chatora completed the Zimbabwe’s representatives to this prestigious tournament.

During the tournament Keegan who had initially shot 74 75 82 and only came back with a shocker to shot an amazing 62 much to the surprise of many to include the Zimbabwe Golf Association President Martin Chikwana who was at hand to support the young raising star. Speaking after his phenomenal score Keegan was ecstatic and hoped that he would continue with the fine form into the future so as to help Zimbabwe propel its Golf forward. ‘I am so happy with the score especially noting that I am still an amateur player but this will naturally spur me to work even harder for the future assignments as I am hopeful that I will continue to do well in the future.

President's Message

As we tee off the 2024 Golfing Season, we found it necessary that we needed to increase our interaction with everyone who oils Amateur Golf in this country and part of the strategy to reach out is the use of a Monthly Magazine. As we start 2024 on a high note, our mantra is that we are going to communicate as much as we can to our esteemed members who make up the Zimbabwe Golf Association.

2024 is going to be a blockbuster as it is congested with a lot of Golfing activities both from the playing and development perspective to its administration which is all important. The season teed off with the Dugmore and Fellowship Trophies at the Bulawayo Golf Club and we would like to congratulate Bulawayo Golf Club for successfully hosting this annual event.

As your Association leadership we are not just concerned about the arranging and hosting Golf Tournaments, but we are also equally interested in the development of the young players from grassroots to elite level. To this end, we are happy to inform you that our team will be moving across the provinces especially where there will be tournaments to test and measure the performance of the Golfers using Flight Scope machine that we procured last year. This machine will also be available to all golfers in all provinces to the upliftment of the game.

It is our desire to ensure that Golf is developed at all levels across the country. Training programs of Coaches will be conducted to suitably qualified individuals who will benefit the communities that they will be coming from. The aim of this move is to ensure that we have properly trained Golf Coaches so that who will produce world class Golfers with the passage of time.

As we zoom into the FBC Zim Open, I am delighted that the title sponsor has retained their status and increased the sponsorship from US$150,000 to a staggering $200,000, a significant rise, and as such we remain indebted to all FBC Holdings and all the sponsors that have come on board. I am also happy to inform you that our top Golfers Scott and Kieran Vincent, Benjamin Follet-Smith, Robson Chinhoi, and Stuart Krog have confirmed that they will be participating in the tournament. This gives every reason to rally behind our players who are our pride.

Let me take this opportunity to recognize in a special way our elderly and social Golfers who are always on the courses, it is because of them that our Golf is still thriving even in the face of a difficult economic terrain but they are still keeping the Association’s head above the water. Exercise through Golf is important to one’s health and our message to you is, please do not despair as the benefits outweigh the consequences of inactivity. To the Clubs let us keep our Courses open for the members let us go out and recruit more members like they say the more the merrier.

Finally let me end by wishing you all an eventful and enjoyable 2024 Golf season and let us work together for the growth, development and prosperity of our sport Golf.

Together we can achieve more!

M. Chikwana

(ZGA PRESIDENT)

Keegan Shutt

sets a

new course record at Leopard Creek.

‘I would also want to thank my parents for the exceptional support that they always render to me because had it been for them I also surely would not have been where I am today, it would be seriously remiss of me If I do not thank my playing partners as well as the tournament organizers and the sponsors for making this event a resounding success’ said Keegan.

Zimbabwe ended the tournament with Matthew Bramford on 4th position, Keegan Shutt on 8th and Tanaka Chatora finished 9th which was all commendable performance from the lads.

Kelvin Muchenje is the 2024 Munhumutapa Champion

ZRP Golfer Kelvin Muchenje assailed to the podium following hi impressive showing at the Munhumutapa Strokeplay Championship which to place the ZRP Golf Club recently. Kelvin who is a seasoned Golfer made his intentions known when he led the in the first tow round which he shot – under par each and the third round he shot 73 and ending the tournament with a credible and impressive -3 under par.

‘I am so happy as this is my first time to win a National tournament, I have always played these tournaments however it was always a case of near misses but today it was my day and I thank the Lord Almighty for this.

‘To my playing partners I would like to encourage you not to lose heart as your day will come stay focused and all will be well. There is need to work hard and learn from the others so that your Golf can improve’ Kelvin said.

Also, on the podium was Kudzai Mandava from Royal Harare who won in the Ladies category with a score of 74 75 75 to beg the trophy home. Kudzai is one the Golfers on the Africa High Performance Programme Camp and ever since she started the programme her performance improved phenomenally. ‘I would like to dedicate my win to my Coach Simon Murungweni who has stood by me in all the situation and gave all the necessary technical support and advise.

It is also as a result of the High Perfomance programme that I am a part of which has propelled me to this good performance’ said Kudzai.

The event was graced by the Zimbabwe Golf Association President Martin Chikwana who graciously thanked ZRP for agreeing to host this important tournament. ‘As the Zimbabwe Golf Association we are so grateful of the hospitality that we have received from ZRP to us this is our home and I must also admit that I am particularly impressed by the state of the course, well done Guys for the keeping the course in such a great shape.

‘I would like to encourage the young Golfers here present to always aim to shoot under par scores and mot to rush to turn Professional when you are not yet ready. As the Zimbabwe Golf Association, we stand ready to assist the Golfers improve their game through such initiatives such as the High-Performance Programme’ said Chikwana.

During the same ceremony the Zimbabwe Golf Association took the opportunity to distribute 3 Golf sets to Golfers Tanaka Chatora, Miriam Masiya and Kudzai Mandava who are all on the High-Performance Programme, the Golf sets were donated by Mizuno through R&A. Also, all the provinces received caps golf bags and Golf shirts to aid in the development programmes.

Rising star and Cyclone Idai survivor Vincent Chidambazina won the Matabeleland Amateur Golf with an impressive score of -8 under par over 3 rounds at Harry Allen Golf Club in Bulawayo. The tournament which was subscribed by Golfers from all over the country attracted elite Amateur Golfers such as Kelvin Muchenje and Lloyd Dube. ‘The field was very competitive and it was no easy go but I gave it my best shot and I am so happy that I have won the tournament with an under-par score which is very commendable indeed. ‘In winning this tournament which is my first win since I started playing Golf with the other elite amateur Golfers, I would like to thank my parents for the wonderful support that they are ever giving and the all

those that have extended a helping hand towards me’ Chidambazina said. The Zimbabwe Golf Association President Martin Chikwana was all smiles that the tournament was won by a Junior Golfer as it was a testament that the development programme initiatives were finally beginning to pay dividends. ‘This win is a demonstration that with development initiatives that we are currently engaged with and this implies that we cannot go wrong and it is my clarion call to all of us and the corporates to support such noble causes as they have the effect of producing future star’ said Chikwana. By winning the Matabeleland Amateur Vincent is now a World Amateur Golf Ranking sanctioned player.

A promising start in the LIV Golf League

A standout performance in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas tournament proved to be a defining moment for Vincent as he demonstrated his exceptional golfing prowess over the course of three rounds. His opening round of 68 set the tone for an impressive performance, showcasing his ability to navigate the challenging course with precision and finesse. Vincent's confidence and composure on the greens were evident as he expertly plotted his way through the tournament.

Building on his initial success, Vincent continued to impress with a solid second round of 69. With every swing, his talent and determination shone through, capturing the attention of both spectators and fellow competitors. Vincent's ability to maintain focus and deliver consistent shots under pressure further solidified his position as a rising star in the league.

Though faced with some challenges in the final round, Vincent's mental fortitude and resilience were on full display. Despite the pressure, he managed to card a respectable 74, highlighting his ability to overcome obstacles and maintain a competitive edge.

A bright future

Kieran Vincent's standout performance in the LIV Golf tournament leaves no doubt that he is a rising star in the world of professional golf. With his exceptional skills, dedication, and the guidance of his team captain, John Rahm, Vincent is poised to make a significant impact on the international golfing stage.

As he continues to compete in the LIV Golf League, Vincent's talent and potential are sure to capture the attention of golf enthusiasts around the world. With each tournament, he gains valuable experience and further solidifies his reputation as one of Zimbabwe's most promising golfers.

Kieran Vincent's entry into the LIV Golf League and his remarkable performance in the Las Vegas tournament have firmly established him as a rising star in professional golf. His impressive rounds of 68, 69, and 74 showcased his skill, composure, and determination, leaving

Lloyd Dube Defends the Masvingo Amateur Golf Tournament

Gweru Club based Golfer Lloyd Dube defended the Masvingo Amateur Golf tournament held at Masvingo Golf Club recently. He won the tournament with an overall score of 71 73 72 thus retaining the coveted trophy back to the Midlands. Lloyd who was in a buoyant mood was not taking any prisoners and this he made it clear from the outset.

‘I am very excited that I managed to retain the trophy and this is all as a result of the hard work that I put in before the tournament, and I would also want to continue with this trend of scoring under pars which will position me better for future events. ‘I would like to also acknowledge my sponsors for standing by me and believing in me otherwise without such support I would not go far special thanks should also go to the Tournament organizers and my

playing partners who made it all possible for me to win the tournament’ Dube said. The tournament was also attended by the Zimbabwe Golf Association Stalline Masiya who commended the Tournament Organizers for a job well done and he also took the opportunity to inform the Golfers of the upcoming programmes like the High Performance wherein the National Team Coach will be moving across all the provinces training Golfers and Coaches.

Also on the podium was Kudzai Mandava who won the Ladies competition with a score of 78 72 76 to finish as the leading Golfer in the Ladies category. Kudzai recently won the Munhumutapa Strokeplay and went to be on the World Amateur Golf Ranking platform to become the second Lady after Margret Nyamukondiwa.

BY SIMON MURUNGWENI (PROFFESIONAL GOLFER AND COACH)

By Robert Mukondiwa

The BehindStorythe Trophy

When you walk into his presence and look into his eyes, placed flawlessly within a mature bone structure, something in them tells a thousand stories. They glisten like a silver stream pouring out as he tragically unsuccessfully attempts to conceal his story: you can tell you stand before divinity of craft.

This tall structure of divine engineering is The one Patrick Mavros, himself an emulator of the creator, whose own fingers have conquered silver from the belly of Zimbabwe primarily, and created some of the most recognisable works of silver sculpture ever put togteher by man, creating a legendary name in his wake.

Himself the creator who has given life to similarly gifted spawn, his children, who have also inherited his coveted remarkable gift. When his voice explodes, a voice as nuanced as the sculptures that adorn his studio in the picturesque Umwinsidale rolling hills, it is not to sing praises to his works and talent but to speak about one creation in particular. The Zimbabwe Open Golf Trophy. A trophy he sculpted as a proud symbol of his nation.

Itself the premeir golf tournament in the country, the committee of the Zimbabwe Open no doubt wanted something iconic for the winner to lift.

Something that says no matter where the winner comes from, they conquered under the African skies and within the glorious enclosure of the nation named Zimbabwe. The tournament had previously taken a hiatus from 2001 to 2009 and had been resuscitated back in 2010. Now what to do? Who to commission? Who to gift with

both the honour and burden to sculpt a trophy for a tournament that in posterity has been raised by some of the greatest legends of the game.

"...And then I received a call form my old friend Michael Mahachi and he asked me to make a trophy for the tournament! I was so honoured!” said Mavros, his excitement palpable still, more than a decade later as if it were the day of the actual commissioning.

At that he set to work to put together the beautiful work of art that now is the symbol and epitome of the tournament.

He went for the beauty of Africa. As a Mberengwa boy born raised in the rurals and enchanted by all things rural and regal in the African context, he drew from his upbrining.

He pulled out the African umbrella; the Acacia tree, which adorns vast plains across the continent not least of all the land of his upbrining. No tree said ‘Africa’ more than it did-at least to Mavros.

He then summoned another beauty, the mound of earth in which the tree is planted. Add to that, the national animal, the Sable, in his glory, with its upright majestic horns curved towards its mane like a regal creature, standing firm on that glorious mound of land. To complete the work, a golf pall perched atop the Acacia tree and yet mimicking the African sun in its celestial grandeur.

The story of the summoning of elements uniquely and quintessentially Zimbabwean and the work of the sculptor took him almost a quarter of an entire year to unite. The end result is a visual story of captivating beauty and an enduring icon.

Robert Mukondiwa

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO

TIGER WOODS NEW BRAND

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO

TIGER WOODS NEW BRAND

Tiger Woods has launched his new apparel line with TaylorMade after his iconic 27-year partnership with Nike came to an end.

There’s been plenty of speculation about what Woods will wear next after becoming so synonymous with the Nike swoosh.

And the secret is now out.

Woods will use his traditional choice of red during tournament final rounds to inspire his next venture: Sun Day Red.

The 15-time major champion’s new line, which was revealed at a press conference on Monday evening, will include polos, hoodies, jumpers and more accessories.

He will debut his new range at the Genesis Invitational this week, where he makes his first start of the 2024 campaign.

Woods’ “Sun Day Red” brand features a tiger logo with 15 stripes, an ode to his major wins. He has also clarified that the logo will be redesigned to add an extra swipe if he miraculously wins another major.

And the range, which also includes new Sun Day Red shoes, will be available for golf fans to buy on May 1.

Reaction to Woods’ new brand has been mixed on social media, and his split from Nike will certainly take some getting used to for some golf fans.

And some fans are already counting down the days to get kitted out in the new Woods apparel.

“I’m going to spend so much money on May 1st,” one fan wrote.

“Take my money, Tiger,” another joked.

Some, however, aren’t completely convinced with the name and logo Woods has chosen for his brand…

Meanwhile, others expressed confusion that the brand name was split into three words rather than keeping it simple with “Sunday Red.”

That, however, has already been cleared up on the new Sun Day Red website.

“The word mark appears as three words for a simple reason: there is a special power in threes,” the press release read.

“Calling it Sun Day Red was a fun way for us to create something completely different and unexpected.

“Born from a love for being outside in the sun, the joy of playing golf during the day, and a special red being the brands power colour – as soon as Sun Day Red was placed on a garment for the first time, it just looked perfect.”

Team Zimbabwe shines at the allAfrica Junior Team Champions

It was all smiles at the end of the 4 gruesome round that the young lads in Tanaka Chatora, Braydon Amm, Tawana Mangoma and Keegan Shutt when they ended on second position at the recently concluded All Africa Junior Team Championship held at Benoni Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. Simon Murungweni the Team’s Coach said the first round was not that good but the boys made a come back which then propelled them to find in the 2nd position and by that they qualified for the Toyota Junior Golf World Championship set for June this year.

‘Indeed the win was a well deserved one though we could have done better but I am glad that the boys eventually came to the party and won a silver medal. While we acknowledge that and are happy that we have won the silver medal, I am of the view that the preparations have to commence instantly as there is no time for us to relax.

‘The boys need to remain in shape and we are going to

be working out a rigorous training programme because this is not going to be a stroll in the park hence the need for us to grind out in training so that we get decent results that we all desire’, Simon Murungweni said the Team Coach said.

The All Africa Junior Golf Team Championship is held on annual basis and it is a qualifier for the Toyota Junior Golf World Championship. Some of the countries which participated in the tournament Included Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda, Namibia, Reunion, Egypt, Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana. The Girls also did well and finished on 4th position in the same competition. The recent win in South Africa is indeed a bold statement that Zimbabwe is a force to reckon with in Golf in Africa and there is need to sustain the trend.