Description
Munesu Chimhini

IN-FORM Zimbabwean prodigy Munesu Chimhini produced yet another solid performance to be crowned champion at the 2026 First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Junior Open, held at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate in Harare.

Chimhini finished on 11-under-par 205, securing a dominant wire-to-wire six-shot victory over South Africa’s Syan Ramchander. He became the first Zimbabwean male to win the tournament.

Having opened with a brilliant 67, followed by a 70 on moving day, Chimhini closed with a four-under-par 68 on Sunday. He went into the final round holding a one-shot lead over Ramchander and carded six birdies and two bogeys in his closing round. The Zimbabwean youngster made a birdie at the first hole before dropping a shot at the par-three second. He then picked up further birdies at the par-five sixth and seventh holes to make the turn in 34. After the turn, Chimhini birdied the par-five 12th and the par-four 15th and 16th holes before dropping another shot at the par-five 18th, signing for an inward 34 to seal a commanding performance. Kenya’s Parv Kavia finished third on two-under-par 214. In the girls’ championship, South Africa’s Gia Raad produced a fine performance to claim a commanding nine-shot victory over compatriot Lourenda Steyn who carded one-over-par 217. Raad carded an impressive eight-under-par 208, with rounds of 68, 67 and 73. On her front nine in the final round, Raad made a strong start with four birdies in five holes, picking up shots at the first, second, fourth and fifth before dropping one at the ninth to turn in 33. The back nine proved more challenging, as she recorded birdies at the 10th, 12th, 17th and 18th holes for an inward 40.

Steyn also went wire-to-wire. Local favorite, Miriam Masiya finished in third place on three-over-par-219.