Description
Darlington Chikanyambidze

DARLINGTON Chikanyambidze got his 2026 domestic circuit campaign off to a flying start, continuing the fine form he displayed last year by winning the local season opener, the Julius Robinson Trophy, at Wingate Golf Club on Sunday.

Chikanyambidze, who was in red-hot form last season, secured a commanding 12-shot victory over Nathan van Rooyen in the capital.

The Royal Harare Golf Club member finished on nine-under-par 207 after 54 holes, while Van Rooyen carded a three-over-par 219. He was the only player to record under-par scores in all three rounds. Chikanyambidze opened the tournament with a four-under-par 68 and followed it up with a 70 in the second round. Thirty-six holes were played on the opening day on Saturday. He went into the final round on six-under-par 138, six shots clear of Shepard Chiwaya, who was on level-par 144. Chikanyambidze then closed with a three-under-par 69, which featured an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys. On the front nine, he picked up an eagle at the second, followed by a birdie at the fourth and a bogey at the fifth. After the turn, he added further birdies at the 10th and 12th before dropping a shot at the 14th. Second-placed Van Rooyen carded rounds of 76, 75 and 68. Vincent Chidambazina finished third on four-over-par 220 with rounds of 75, 71 and 74.

The next event on the Zimbabwe Golf Association’s calendar is the Dugmore and Fellowship Trophy, scheduled for Bulawayo Golf Club on March 7–8.