THE 2026 golfing season is underway across the various fairways dotted countrywide.
The excitement is palpable among golfers as they look to rack up birdies and eagles in search of silverware in various tournaments both locally and internationally.
The anticipation is probably most keenly felt by seasoned amateur golfer, Munyaradzi Dzore Sithole who has eyes on uplifting his game by turning pro by the end of this year.
The 36 year-old golfer’s ambition to turn pro is backed by his achievements on the golf course which include winning back to back Mashwede golf tournaments in 2024 and 2025.
For Sithole, golf is not just a sport, it is a calling.
“I started playing golf at the age of 9 inspired by the likes of the winner of 15 major championships, Tiger Woods and six time majors winner Phil Mickelson and it has been a burning passion ever since,” Sithole told The Sports Hub.
He attributed the success he has enjoyed thus far in the sport to adhering to the ethic of hard work and perseverance.
“Winning and defending the Mashwede Golf Classic against a diverse field with various skillsets is a result of hard work, consistency and discipline,” he pointed out.
The interview with Sithole was held on the Falcon Golf course as he went through his rigorous daily practice in an effort to perfect his craft.
The daily routine, Sithole says, involves practicing his various golfing shots on the course for up to six hours.
He is a firm believer in the adage that practice makes perfect particularly at a time he is firmly focused on turning pro by year end.
In 2026, Sithole has his sights firmly set on competing in both national and provincial golfing tournaments which include Zimbabwe Amateur, Zimbabwe Matchplay, Harare Amateur, Matabeleland Armateur and Masvingo Amateur.
Sithole believes that turning pro will not only significantly improve his game, but will also go a long way in earning a living off the sport which has become his lifeblood.
He said the sport in Zimbabwe is headed in the right direction as there is growing interest among the country’s youth to take up the sport adding that this is important particularly at a time when so many unemployed youths have resorted to alcohol and drug abuse.
‘’I believe that the sport of golf is on the right path as we have seen increased participation of the the country’s youth in taking up golf,” Sithole said.
“This provides them with various opportunities which include getting scholarships.
“It helps build discipline which is important especially with the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse by youths which has become a national crisis.”
Sithole has applauded the efforts of the Zimbabwe Golf Association, which is the national governing body for amateur golf in Zimbabwe, to exponentially grow the sport countrywide.
“The prospects for the sport are bright as we have good leadership driving the development of the game,” Sithole said. “It can only get better.”