Emmanuel Marambe
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER
ZIMBABWE’S rising star, Keegan Shutt marked the end of his junior golf career with a runner-up finish at the recently concluded First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Junior Golf Open at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate.
Shutt, who turns 19 next month, was among the more than 60 golfers who took part in Zimbabwe’s premier junior golf tournament and was neck and neck with South African golfer Andries van der Vyver, who eventually emerged the Junior Open boys’ title winner by a single shot on 11-under-par 205.
In fact, van der Vyver shot a junior course record 9-under par 63 final round to overcome Shutt, who had a final round 5-underpar 67, by the narrowest of margins.
Despite missing out on glory, Shutt said he was exiting the junior scene with his head held high after emerging as one of the best golfers in a tournament that attracted players from eight different countries.
“I’m a bit speechless because I played really well (in the final round). I shot 67 but Andries (van der Vyver) played even better than me by shooting 63 and setting the new course record here at the Brooke.
So hats off to him, he did really well,” said Shutt. “But yeah, I’m proud of myself for finishing my junior career like I did today (Sunday). I was very happy (with the way I played). Just one or two mistakes here and there but that’s golf, it’s always going to happen.
“You just have to forget about them, keep moving forward and just do the best you can every time, every shot.”
Shutt also praised tournament sponsors First Capital Bank for their continued efforts to promote local junior golf.
“I would like to applaud First Capital Bank for all their sponsorship and what they do for this tournament. It’s a very big tournament and I’m happy that my last junior tournament was this one because it’s a special one, being my home country and being the biggest junior tournament for Zimbabwe. So I’m very happy that this is my last one,” said Shutt, who is also set to be among the several local amateur golfers who will compete in next month’s Zimbabwe Open.
In the girls’ category, another South African Lourenda Steyn emerged the winner after posting a 4-under par 212 total over the 54 holes, with Zoey Rhoda eight shots further back in second place. Steyn was delighted with her win.
“I am super happy and it’s such a relief that I won this tournament. “My target was to play under par, and I successfully did that. “It’s my first time playing here and I’m proud of myself and how I managed myself on the course,” said Steyn.
Meanwhile, First Capital Bank chief executive officer Tapera Mushoriwa restated the financial institution to promote local junior golf.
“As First Capital Bank, we are proud to be more than a sponsor. We are pioneers in youth development.
“Our investment this year reflects more than just financial support; it reflects belief, belief in Africa’s next leaders, thinkers and champions,” said Mushoriwa.
