Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
HARARE – ZIMBABWE officially launched the 2025 edition of the International Pairs Golf Tournament on Thursday evening, with a renewed focus on leveraging the sport to boost the country’s sports tourism agenda.
The prestigious amateur tournament was launched by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Tongai Mnangagwa, who underscored the important role sport plays in positioning Zimbabwe as a global travel destination.
“As a ministry, we took advantage of the recently held cricket test match in England to market destination, Zimbabwe, and today if you go on social media you will see the mark that we left, thus creating an interest for our destination, appreciating the role sport plays in tourism development,” the Deputy Minister said.
“In 2024 the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority(ZTA) entered into a Memorandum Of Understanding with Albetrose Golf Company to promote sports tourism in the nation with specific objectives that include one collaborating to promote domestic tourism through the sport of golf, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination during the International Finals which attracts participants from over 30 countries, developing, promoting, and organising golf packages in Zimbabwe for the international market in accordance with the goals aligned by the in the MOU. The 2024 International Pairs tournament was rebranded to achieve some of these objectives.”
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president, Martin Chikwana reiterated the economic impact of golf, particularly at local level.
“Golf significantly contributes to domestic tourism. Every golfer spends at least US$100 per day during tournaments, and national events hosted at various resorts help promote local economies. With proper collaboration and strategic planning, we can achieve even more,” he said.
Sterling Group chairperson, Wilbert Manyika, also praised the inclusive nature of the event and reaffirmed their commitment to the development of sport in Zimbabwe.
“We are proud to play our part in advancing sports development, particularly through golf. Our partnership ensures broad participation across all levels,” he said.
The International Pairs is widely regarded as the world’s largest amateur golf tournament.
In Zimbabwe, the competition attracts players from all age groups and backgrounds, with qualifiers held at the district level before culminating in the national finals.
This year’s national finals are set to take place at the picturesque Mutola Hills Golf Course in Mhondoro-Ngezi, while the international finals will be hosted at the iconic Sun City Golf Course in South Africa.
