By Caroline Washaya Moyo
Zimbabwe is positioning golf as a key driver of sports tourism, with Government calling for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract major international tournaments to the country.
Speaking at the International Pairs golf tournament, Zimbabwe Golf Association president Blessmore Gandawa said competitive sport tested not only skills but also discipline, patience, resilience and sportsmanship.
“The fact that you have reached this stage is an achievement in itself,” he said, encouraging golfers to continue developing their game while remaining ambassadors of the sport wherever they play.
Gandawa said golf presented significant opportunities for tourism because golfers travelled extensively, stayed in hotels, used transport services, visited restaurants and explored destinations.
“Golf tournaments, therefore, create a platform through which sporting activities and tourism can reinforce one another,” he said.Guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Cde Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, said the 2026 edition of the tournament, held under the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Albatros Golf Safaris partnership, had demonstrated the growing popularity and inclusivity of golf in Zimbabwe.
He also added that approximately 1 550 golfers participated in qualifying events held across 28 golf clubs throughout the country, with participants ranging from 12 to 84 years.
“The participation of golfers ranging from 12 to 84 years demonstrates the inclusivity and growing popularity of golf in Zimbabwe,” Cde Mnangagwa said.
He reiterated that golf tourism had a significant economic footprint as golfers and their companions did not simply play and leave, but also visited tourist attractions, shopping centres and experienced Zimbabwe’s culture and communities.
Cde Mnangagwa described sports tourism as a powerful tool of soft diplomacy, saying it created relationships between people and nations beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He cited the recent India-Zimbabwe T20 International Series at Harare Sports Club as an example of the power of sport to showcase Zimbabwe to an international audience.The series, he said, demonstrated Zimbabwe’s capacity to host major sporting events while giving visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s hospitality and diverse tourism destinations.
“Golf presents the same opportunity,” he said.The Deputy Minister challenged stakeholders to set their sights on an even greater ambition — bringing the International Pairs World Final to Zimbabwe.He said Zimbabwe had outstanding golf courses, world-class tourism attractions and a hospitality industry capable of supporting an international event of such magnitude.
“With strong collaboration between Government, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, sporting bodies, the private sector, golf clubs and local communities, I believe Zimbabwe can position itself to host the World Final in the future,” he said.
Cde Mnangagwa said Government remained committed to initiatives that brought together sport, tourism, investment and community development in support of national development.
He added that sports tourism was firmly aligned with Government’s development priorities under President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2), 2026-2030.
He said sports tourism supported efforts to accelerate economic growth, promote investment, create employment, strengthen domestic value chains and position tourism as a driver of inclusive development.
The push to host major international golf events comes as Zimbabwe seeks to leverage its sporting facilities and diverse tourism attractions to increase visitor arrivals, generate economic activity and strengthen the country’s position as a competitive sports tourism destination.
