ZIM Open 2025: Golf, Health, and National Pride

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe officially launched the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Tournament in Harare yesterday. The event is supported by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe said the tournament is not just about golf — it’s also about celebrating Zimbabwe’s culture, pride, and health.

The Zimbabwe Open is the country’s most prestigious golf event. It has hosted renowned golfers such as Nick Price, Tony Johnston, and Mark McNulty. Minister Sanyatwe thanked these legends for putting Zimbabwe on the global sporting map and praised today’s athletes for continuing their legacy.

The 2025 tournament is primarily sponsored by FBC Holdings, with support from Zimre Holdings Limited and others. Their backing underscores the importance of sport in Zimbabwe’s development and economy.

“The Zimbabwe Open is more than just a game,” said the Minister. “It brings jobs, tourists, investment, and better health to our people.” With its stunning landscapes and abundant sunshine, Zimbabwe is an ideal destination for golf and sports tourism.

The tournament also aligns with the country’s broader development agenda, the National Development Strategy 1, which includes plans to improve sports facilities across Zimbabwe. The government and the Zimbabwe Golf Association aim to establish world-class golf courses in more regions, giving more people access to the sport.

A new highlight this year is the Zimbabwe Open Wellness Fund, themed “Swing for Wellness.” This initiative will raise funds and awareness for health issues, beginning with cancer. Minister Sanyatwe said the fund supports the Ministry’s vision of creating a more active and health-conscious nation.

“Sport should help improve people’s lives,” he said. “The Zimbabwe Open demonstrates how that can be achieved — by promoting health, community engagement, and social responsibility.”

The tournament is already contributing to economic growth, creating jobs in tourism, media, hospitality, and event planning. The Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who made the event possible, including the Zimbabwe Open Committee, the Sunshine Tour, and the many volunteers.

As Zimbabwe prepares to host international guests, the launch was marked by a strong sense of national pride and unity. The Minister concluded by saying, “Let’s swing for wellness, and swing for Zimbabwe.”