Teen sensation Nathan van Rooyen, a 15-year-old from Royal Harare Golf Club, made history on Sunday, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Zimbabwe Amateur Championship.
His remarkable triumph at Chapman Golf Club in Harare also secured him a coveted spot in next year’s FBC Zimbabwe Open.
The St. John’s College student displayed impressive composure and skill, clinching a three-shot victory in the country’s premier amateur event.
He finished with a five-over-par 293 over 72 holes, surpassing defending champion Keegan Shutt, who carded an eight-over-par 296.
Munesu Chimhini secured third place with 297.
“I attribute this win to my first round,” van Rooyen said, reflecting on his historic achievement. “I felt a bit of pressure over the last three holes of the final round. I am thrilled to qualify for the Zimbabwe Open; I’ve missed the cut in the pre-qualifier before.”
Van Rooyen began the tournament with a superb six-under-par 66, establishing an early five-shot lead.
Despite a six-over 78 in the second round, he rebounded with an even-par 72 in the third. A closing five-over 77 was enough to secure the trophy.
In the women’s championship, Margaret Nyamukondiwa successfully defended her title with a total of 14-over-par 302, finishing eighth overall on the combined leaderboard.
She was the only woman in the top 10, carding rounds of 73, 76, 79, and 74 to seal her consecutive victories.
