South African golfer Andries van der Vyver shot a brilliant final round 9 – under par 63, a new junior course record at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course to claim a one stroke victory over home favourite Keegan Shutt in the First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Junior Open on Sunday.
Starting the day three strokes behind joint leaders Shutt and Craig Cilliers in sixth place, van der Vyers finished the tournament on averall 11 – under par 205 after rounds of 74, 68 and 63.
It was the fourth time that a South African golfer won the country’s premier junior golf event which is sponsored by First Capital Bank since it’s inception in 2022.
Shutt was hoping to bow out in style playing his final tournament as a junior before he turns 19 next month.
Despite having a good weekend on the course, Shutt came just short after signing 70 69 and 67 in three rounds, on 10 – under par 206.
Overnight joint leader Cilliers settled for third place, three shots behind Shutt on 7 under – par for the tournament after a final round 70.
The rest of the golfers in the top 10 were from South Africa.
van der Vyers was delighted with the win
“It’s emotional for me. Final round I got here and I knew I had to go low to beat Keegan. In the last hole I shot a birdie and he had to make birdie for a playoff and unfortunately he shot par. So I am very happy and proud of this achievement,” he said.
Lourenda Steyn emerged was the winner in the girls competition after claiming an eight stroke victory, finishing on 4 – under par 212, after carding 71 69 and 72.
Zoey Rhoda finishing second on 4 – over while Phenyo Sebata was third on 11 – over.
Orateng Mapauke, and Megan Marais completed the top five.
“I’m super happy and it’s such a relief that I won this tournamet. My target was to play under par and I successfully did that. I’m so proud of myself and how I managed myself on the course,” Steyn said.
A total of 61 golfers from eight different countries took part in the event which is sponsored by one of the country’s top banking institutions First Capital Bank to the tune of US$50 000.
First Capital Bank chief executive officer Tapera Mushoriwa was delighted with how the fourth edition of the tournament progressed.
“What began as an idea in 2022 has now become a regional beacon of youth development. We are deeply committed to shaping the future — not just through banking — but through empowering young minds and talents. At First Capital Bank, we believe in every swing, every step forward, every dream taking flight.
“Every swing taken at this tournament represents a bold future, and every
young player is a reflection of what’s possible when the right support meets real talent. We are first to believe, first to back the future — and proud of it.”
