BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
TOP Zimbabwe amateur golfer Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa has credited hard work and long hours spent on the golf range for his recent success following a memorable week in which he secured his maiden win on the highly competitive US collegiate golf circuit.
Nyamukondiwa birdied three of his last five holes including a near ace on his final hole, the famed par-3 ninth home at The Course at Yale, to secure a one-shot victory and his first collegiate win.
His 3-under total consisted of rounds of 70-67. After his victory Nyamukondiwa, who is in his first season with Drexel University was also named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Golfer of the Week.
In an interview with The Sports Hub on Friday, Nyamukondiwa, who is elated after fulfilling one of his goals, attributed his breakthrough win to the hard work he has been putting on his game behind the scenes.
“I have worked hard for it and it’s something I have always wanted since I was back home.
“So me achieving it has made me much more confident and hopefully there will be more in store,” Nyamukondiwa told The Sports Hub from his US base.
“This is not all my doing, but with the Grace of God, I am able to do what I love and enjoy it. My Faith has been my biggest part of my success, and trusting God in everything I do has led me to where I am today.”
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A product of the country’s revered junior golf development programs, Nyamukondiwa is one of the best emerging golfers in the country after rising through the ranks. It all began at Wingate Golf Club and later at Chapman where he was mentored by veteran coach Roger Baylis.
Nyamukondiwa graduated from Heritage High School in Harare and won the Zimbabwe Junior Strokeplay Championship. He was a four-year captain on the Zimbabwean Junior Golf Team.
He represented the Zimbabwe junior golf team at the Toyota Junior World Cup and also played on the amateur national team for two years.
After representing the country in numerous international competitions, Nyamukondiwa moved to the US in 2019 after he clinched a golf scholarship to study and play at Western Texas College.
He made an instant impact at Western Texas College, earning selection in the all-conference team before getting an opportunity to continue his growth in the sport at Drexel, a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“My college experience has been amazing,” the golfer reflected on his experience in the US.
“I have met a lot of great people, and have built a lot of great relationships. There is really a lot of big competition and this has pushed me to keep improving and get better on and off the golf course,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone to grab whatever opportunity they get and use it to their full potential. Always put the Good Lord in everything you do and you will be fulfilled.”
Nyamukondiwa could soon be joined in the US by his young sister Margret, who has been doing well in both local and international competitions.
