-as Amm clinches trophy
Tendai Muererwa
BULAWAYO- The second edition of the President’s Golf Cup concluded in spectacular fashion, with NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, describing it as a masterclass in national unity, discipline, and strategic development.
The four-day tournament served as a powerful prelude to the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
The prize-giving ceremony was a high profile affair, attended by top government officials and sports administrators. President Mnangagwa was represented by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Rtd. Lt. General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.
The event also drew the presence of: Emily Jesaya Deputy Minister of Sports Recreation Arts and Culture, Chido Sanyatwe Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Dr. Moses Chihobvu, General Commissioner of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Gift Omolo, President of the Africa Golf Federation, Blessmore Gandawa, President of the Golfers Association, Pascall Sibanda, Founder of the Presidential Golf Cup, Bruce Clark, Chairman of the host club and Eric Makarimai, Club Captain.
Addressing the guests on the final day, April 17, Eng. Mushanawani emphasized that the tournament is a vital component of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). By attracting international figures like Omolo who oversees golf in 31 African nations—the event has successfully positioned Zimbabwe as a premier destination for sports tourism.
”The President’s Cup becomes more than a tournament; it becomes part of a larger national story that celebrates Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, resilience, and collective progress,” Eng. Mushanawani stated.
As the premier partner of the event, NetOne’s involvement highlights the critical role of digital infrastructure in modern sport. Eng. Mushanawani noted that as the “backbone of connectivity,” NetOne ensures that the excellence displayed on the greens is shared with the world in real-time, enhancing Zimbabwe’s global digital footprint.
The CEO drew parallels between the game of golf and the journey of national development, noting that both require “discipline, patience, integrity, and strategic foresight.” He praised the inclusive nature of the tournament, which featured professional, amateur, and junior golfers.
In his closing remarks, Eng. Mushanawani reaffirmed NetOne’s commitment to being an impact-driven organization. He celebrated the participants for their “swings for excellence, progress and unity,” marking the 2026 edition as a historic success for the nation.
Meanwhile, David Amm lived up to it when he shot a five-under-par final round to clinch the US$5 600 first prize.
Going into the final day, Amm was tied on 136 with Darlington Chikanyambize and Michael Wallace.
Amm posted scores of 69 on the first day and 67 on the following two days as consistency and brilliant golfing won over in a field that had some of the best Zimbabwean golfers with a wealth of experience and exposure.
Some of the participants have played on the competitive Sunshine Tour, while others have done well on the West African Tours, adding points to their professional golfers’ campaigns and earning on the road.
He ended the tournament with a 13-under-par total of 203.
Second-day good performers Chikanyambize and Wallace were joined in second spot by local Order of Merit leader Robson Chinhoyi, who overcame a first-day disastrous performance to tally 204 and take home prize money of US$2 625. It is the same amount that Chikanyambize and Wallace pocketed.
Chikanyambize started with a score of 70 on Monday, improved on the second day with a six-under-par 66, before ending the tournament with a total of 204.
Wallace, on his part, had three-under-par on Monday, five-under on the second day, and four-under-par on the final day for his 204.
Chinhoyi survived a first-day poor show in which he had a positive score of plus one (73). He showed that he was back on the second day, playing a superb seven-under that had tournament co-ordinator Edgar Mashingaidze remarking that the leaders were now in danger.
“His come back leaves him very dangerous to the leaders,” said Mashingaidze.
Clive Nguru claimed fifth spot with scores of 67, 70, and 69 to pocket a cool US$1 400 for his fifth-place finish.
Yolanda Mubaiwa was the best-performing lady on the tour after tallying 71, 75, 70 for 216, and for her efforts she took home US$906. She was 14th overall.
Akil Yousuf, the president of the Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association, was happy with the tournament.Zimbabwe Business Directory
“It far superseded my expectations in terms of the course. What we expected and what was presented to us was amazing. Fantastic course and fantastic sponsorship. We are happy that we are partnering again with NetOne and His Excellency. As a professional body and national association, we would like to align ourselves with His Excellency and corporate partners. We had a fantastic week of golf. 13-under-par was a phenomenal achievement,” said Yousuf.
He was happy to see young golfers dominate the top five positions and believes the future is bright for the country’s golf.
He said they are all systems go for the Zimbabwe Open. Additional info-Herald
