Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) president Martin Chikwanha has hailed the Sterling  Hotels International Pairs tournament as the biggest golf event in the country following the thrilling conclusion of this year's edition at Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls on Sunday.

The Royal Harare Golf Club pair comprising Litchel Mandiveyi and Nothando Namuinesu emerged the winner at the final event and resultantly earned the right to represent the country at the World finals in Tenerife Spain next month.

At least 128 golfers from golf courses across the country managed to take part in the final event. An exciting climax to the event saw it spilling into the second day after a three-way playoff could not be concluded in one day. 

Eventually, it was Mandiveyi and Namuinesu who outlasted Chinhoyi golfers Collett John Mawire and Charles Gokora on Sunday morning.

"This is the biggest well-spread golf event in the country. In this event, we have members from all the four corners of the country. This is the only amateur event that Zimbabwe Golf Association gets to interface with its constituency. It is so pleasing for the ZGA to realize how this event has grown and we are also thankful to the corporates that have come on board like Sterling Group of Hotels," he said.

"I would also like to acknowledge the government and the Tourism Ministry for coming on board to help spread domestic tourism throughout the country. The only thing missing in this event as far as I am concerned is merchandise from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority that should have been given to every person that has attended this event because I can assure you that it would have reached all corners of the country."

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What is making it so heart-filling is the fact that Sterling Hotels has committed to being part of this event for the foreseeable future. All the golfers who have made it hear you are champions where you come from and I would like to salute you," said Chikwanha.

The International Pairs World finals are scheduled to take place from 30 September to 4 October 2024 in Spain.

At least 30 countries will be represented at the tournament. Chikwanha was among the guests who graced the tournament final where the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa was the guest of honour while ZTA acting chief executive officer William Stima also graced the occasion. 

Sterling Group of Hotels was represented by founder and board chairman Wilbert Manyika as well as managing director Shaurai Manyika and other company managers.

The International Pairs Zimbabwe tournament is held under the auspices of Albatross Golf Company represented by chief executive Shepherd Huni and Shameon Mazvarira, who was the tournament convener.