FBC Holdings has unveiled a US$200 000 prize purse for the 2026 Zimbabwe Open, further strengthening the tournament’s status as Zimbabwean golf's flagship event and a key stop on the Sunshine Tour.
The announcement was made during a media launch at Royal Harare Golf Club yesterday.
The tournament runs from May 3 to 10 and marks the 14th edition since its revival in 2010.
The prize fund, equivalent to about R3 million, matches FBC’s investment from last year and marks the fifth consecutive year of its title sponsorship.
FBC Holdings chief executive officer Trynos Kufazvinei said the group’s support goes beyond branding, focusing on developing golf across all levels.
“One of the FBC group's greatest ambitions is to promote the development of golf in Zimbabwe as an all-inclusive sport, so that at least it can identify the talent that can actually put us on the world stage," Kufazvinei said.
“At this juncture, I'm pleased to announce that FBC Holdings Limited will sponsor a total of US$200 000 towards the 2026 FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship."
Kufazvinei said the continued sponsorship reflects a long-term commitment to sports development, tourism growth and international engagement.
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"The Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship plays a strategic role in not only the wellness of participants but also in driving socio-economic development through promoting sports tourism and building international relations in a sporting atmosphere,” he said.
“We are forever grateful to all corporate sponsors and stakeholders who are supporting the 2026 FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship. Most of the sponsors are our clients.”
The 2026 edition has also attracted a new associate sponsor, Caledonia Mining Corporation, joining ZHL Holdings, with Golden Pilsener (Delta Beverages) and Tongaat Hulett remaining anchor sponsors.
Caledonia Mining Corporation executive director Victor Gapare said the partnership aligns with the company’s broader strategy of supporting Zimbabwean sport and international exposure.
“We are going to be sponsoring golf, and we're also going to be sponsoring rugby. As you know, the national team qualified to go to Australia, so we're sponsoring that. And we're also excited about sponsoring netball,” he said.
"For this kind of thing, what we are most excited about is the fact that this is an international event... You have international exposure, and Zimbabwe has a very good story to tell. There's a good story to tell about Zimbabwe, about the positive developments happening in the country.”
Zimbabwe Open Committee chairperson Livingstone Gwata said the strong sponsorship line-up continues to position the event among the best on the Sunshine Tour.
“This is significant recognition indeed as the Sunshine Tour is the biggest tour on the African continent and certainly a major tour worldwide,” he said.
South African golfers have historically dominated the tournament, winning 12 of the last 13 editions, but local hopes remain high.
Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent leads the local challenge, alongside Stuart Krog, Ben Follett-Smith, and in-form Robson Chinhoi, who recently won the NAC Pro-Am and Gabon Open.
