YOUNG Zimbabwean golfer Munesu Chimhini delivered a commanding performance at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course yesterday, carding a superb final-round 68 to become the first local player to win the First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Junior Open.
The 15-year-old’s victory ended a four-year run of South African dominance in the tournament since its inception in 2022, as he led the field from start to finish in a composed display that underlined his rising status in junior golf.
Showing remarkable composure, the young prodigy led the field from start to finish in this fifth edition of the prestigious event, ultimately securing the title by a comfortable four-stroke margin.
The 15 -year-old entered the final round with a slim one-shot lead after opening the tournament with impressive rounds of 67 and 70. His clinical performance on the final day ensured there would be no late drama, as he kept his pursuers at arm's length.
"I feel really proud to have become the first Zimbabwean to win the tournament," Chimhini said.
“Until now, it belonged to foreigners, but I am happy to be the one who brought it home. It was one of those weeks when everything went according to plan for me.”
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Attributing his success to local knowledge and preparation, he added: "There is no secret really for this performance, but I stay quite close to this golf course, so it was easy to come here and familiarise myself with the course. I think that is what helped me this weekend."
South Africa’s Syan Ramchander finished runner-up on six-under par after a final-round 72. Despite posting the tournament’s lowest single-round score of 65 in round two, he could not catch the consistent Chimhini.
Kenya’s Parv Kavia completed the podium on two-under par.
The tournament featured 95 golfers from 12 countries, reflecting its growing international profile under the First Capital Bank sponsorship.
In the women’s division, South Africa’s Gia Raad impressed on debut in Zimbabwe, winning the title with a dominant eight-under-par total, nine strokes ahead of compatriot and defending champion Lourenda Steyn, who finished on one-over par 217.
"It’s my first time in Zimbabwe, and I couldn’t have been happier," Raad said. "I honestly didn't have any expectations. I was just coming for the experience... I was just coming to see if I could improve my game and work on what I’d been working on. It worked out, and I’m pretty happy."
Zimbabwe’s Miriam Masiya secured third place and her best finish in the tournament. She had been in contention for the title after rounds of 70 and 73, but a final-round 76 saw her finish on 219 (+3), just two shots behind Steyn.
Chimhini dedicated his victory to his family, particularly his father.
“I am grateful to my family, especially my dad. He is always there wherever I am playing, which makes him my biggest cheerleader. I am happy to have made him proud today.”
Asked about celebrations, the champion remained modest.
“There are no special celebrations lined up. I think when I get home, I am going to sleep, and maybe midweek I will go out with my friends.”