shloboe boe
Brandon Moyo, brandonmalvin9@gmail.com
THE world’s governing body of golf outside the Americas, the R&A, is set to host the second editions of the Africa Amateur Championship and the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational at the majestic Leopard Creek in South Africa from 5th to 8th February.
The two championships provide a world-class platform for Africa’s most promising amateur golfers, reflecting the R&A’s commitment to fostering talent and creating pathways to elevate the standard of amateur golf across the continent.
History was made last year when the inaugural Africa Amateur Championship and Women’s Invitational were held at the same venue, marking a significant milestone in the development of amateur golf in Africa.
This year, Zimbabwe will be represented by eight of the country’s leading male amateur golfers: Tanaka Chatora, Keegan Shutt, Kelvin Muchenje, Darlington Chikanyambize, Elton Zulu, Vincent Chidambazina, and Shepherd Chiwaya. In the Women’s Invitational, Primrose Chikwaya and Miriam Masiya will fly the Zimbabwean flag.
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 this past weekend. Chatora is now competing in the GolfRSA International Amateur, which began at Royal Johannesburg yesterday.
Speaking after defending the Dugmore Trophy in Bulawayo, the teenager said he is aiming for a strong performance to build confidence ahead of the Africa Amateur Championship.
“It’s my first GolfRSA tournament, and I want to try to make the cut. After that, I’ll aim for a top-10 finish.
That would be great to set myself up for Leopard Creek the following week. It would be nice to also play well there. I’m really excited,” said Chatora.
At last year’s inaugural championship, Zimbabwe’s Matthew Bramford was one of the standout performers, securing a fourth-place finish. He shot an impressive 10-under-par 288 with round scores of 65, 74, 71, and 68.
Bramford finished 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 went on to win after a play-off.
There was further excitement for Zimbabwe as Shutt set the 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 hole.
Shutt finished the historic tournament in a tie for eighth place, posting a level-par 288, tied with Amilkar Bhana. Tanaka Chatora finished in 12th position with a score of four-over-par 292.
The forthcoming Africa Amateur Championship will feature 72 men from across the African region competing in a 72-hole stroke play format, with the winner earning an exemption into The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
— @brandon_malvin
