In a glitzy event that underscored the rapid convergence of sport and hospitality, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister, Barbara Rwodzi, officially launched the 2026 Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament at the Sterling Hub in Harare on Friday.
Running under the vibrant theme, “Experience Zimbabwe, One Fairway at a Time,” the launch highlighted the strategic growth of sports tourism as a key economic driver.
The initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, aiming to propel the country toward an upper-middle-income status through a sustainable, heritage-based economy.
The high-profile event was attended by key stakeholders, including Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Blessmore Gandawa, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) CEO George Manyaya, and Sterling Group of Hotels founder Wilbert Manyika.
Officiating at the ceremony, Rwodzi expressed her delight at the growing impact of golf tourism.
"I am very glad to have had this opportunity and let me thank my deputy minister (Tongai Mnangagwa) who is on study leave because he is the one seized with sport tourism," Rwodzi said.
"But tonight he is not around and it has given me an opportunity to have more appreciation about golf tourism and about the people who are involved."
The minister commended the three-year journey between the government and the tournament organisers, noting that amateur golf possesses untapped potential.
"I have been educated that amateur golf can be bigger than the actual professional golf," she said, reflecting on the partnership solidified via a memorandum of understanding with Albatros Golf in 2024.
Emphasising inclusivity, Rwodzi added: "The reason why we accepted to partner with Albatross Company... is because of the background they were giving us. They said this is more about the ordinary man and woman who have a passion for golf. Those who can play and those who cannot are given a chance."
Rwodzi described sports tourism as a potent tool for “soft diplomacy,” showcasing Zimbabwe’s culture, gastronomy, and hospitality.
She challenged the organisers to bid for future global editions of the tournament to bring international tourists to Zimbabwean soil.
The Sterling Group of Hotels, anchor sponsors for three years, views sports as a natural vehicle for its aggressive growth.
Managing director Shaurai Manyika highlighted the group’s expanding footprint, including the acquisition of land near the Batoka Hydroelectricity project downstream of Victoria Falls.
"As a group, we believe that staying stationary is not an option. Growth is in our DNA," Manyika said.
Explaining their deliberate focus on non-professional players, Manyika added with a touch of humour: "We decided to support amateur golfers because they represent the single largest golfing community in Zimbabwe.
"So, to all the hackers, weekend warriors, and those who spend more time in the sand bunkers than the fairways—rest assured, the Sterling Group is making sure you are not left behind! Amateur golf is the bedrock of the sport."
Sterling Group's expansion, which includes a portfolio ranging from the Sterling Resort in Kanyemba to the Sterling Castle in Glen Lorne, is designed to contribute to the government's target of a US$5 billion tourism economy.
With the national finals scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Harare, the stakes are higher than ever.
The winning pair will fly to Spain to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage, carrying the nation’s culture, heritage, and identity forward through the power of sport.