Brandon Moyo,Brandonmalvin9@gmail.com
ZIMBABWE Golf Association (ZGA) president, Martin Chikwana, has confirmed that the Lowveld Pro-Am, the second biggest golf tournament in the country, will be included in the calendar of events for 2025 and future seasons.
Sponsored to the tune of US$60 000 by Tongaat Hullett, the tournament made its return to the local scene in March after a decade-long hiatus, attracting strong attendance.
Chikwana expressed pleasure at the return of the tournament and the excitement surrounding its inclusion in the upcoming season.
“We managed to fulfil all events on the calendar and they were successfully hosted by different provinces. High on that highlight list is a new event — or rather, an old event that has been resuscitated — the Lowveld Pro-Am,” said Chikwana.
“It is the second biggest sponsorship on our calendar, with Tongaat Hullett sponsoring the event to the tune of US$60 000. This means it’s an event in which both professionals and amateurs participate. Going forward, it will be a regular fixture on our calendar, and we’re happy with that.”
This year’s event took place at Hippo Valley and Triangle Golf Clubs and was won by David Amm, who shot an impressive 13-under-par 203, one shot ahead of second-placed Pride Sembo, who finished with 12-under-par 204.
Sembo was the overnight leader going into the final round.
In third place was Zambia’s Sydney Wemba, who shot six-under-par 210. Fourth place went to Tongo Charamba, who shot five-under-par 211, while fifth place was claimed by Visitor Mapwanya with a score of four-under-par 212.
There was a three-way tie for sixth place, with Morton Kombai, Tranos Muradzikwa and Tonderayo Musunga all posting three-under-par 213. Liberty Gumisa, Tafara Mpofu, and Mohammed Mandhu tied for ninth place, all finishing on two-under-par 214.
Hosting the tournament in the Lowveld also highlighted the variety of golf courses in the country and served as an inspiration to many aspiring golfers.
Tongaat Hullett has also pledged to continue its support for golf in Zimbabwe.