Keegan Shutt wins 2024 Chapman Grand Slam with 8-under-par 208.
Shutt’s final round 66 secures victory over Patrick Chanda.
Margaret Nyamukondiwa ties for third in historic female inclusion.
Tournament highlights youth talent and gender inclusivity in golf.
Young Talent Takes Center Stage
In a stunning display of youthful prowess, teenage golf prodigy Keegan Shutt clinched the 2024 Chapman Grand Slam with an exceptional final round of 66, culminating in an 8-under-par total of 208. The two-day event at Chapman Golf Club saw Shutt exhibit remarkable consistency, with rounds of 72, 70, and 66, securing a decisive five-stroke victory over Zambian contender Patrick Chanda, who finished at 3-under-par 213.
A Battle of the Young Guns
Shutt’s journey to victory was marked by resilience and a fierce competitive spirit. Chanda had entered the final day with a narrow one-shot lead over Shutt, thanks to rounds of 70 and 71 in the first 36 holes. However, the young Zimbabwean’s impressive final round overshadowed Chanda’s level par performance on the last day. Shutt’s ability to remain composed under pressure and execute flawlessly underscored his potential as a future star in the golfing world.
A Landmark Victory for Shutt
This victory at the Chapman Grand Slam is Shutt’s second triumph of the year, following his success at the Royal Harare Club Championship in May. The win holds special significance for the young golfer, who has long aspired to join the ranks of past champions like Sean Crocker, David Amm, and Scott Vincent, who have all made their mark on the international stage.
“I am very happy because this is a tournament I have always wanted to win since I was very young. There have been a lot of great players, like Sean Crocker who is now on the PGA Tour, David Amm, and Scott Vincent among others who have won it, so I am very happy,” Shutt remarked, reflecting on his achievement.
Women Break New Ground
This year’s Grand Slam was historic for another reason: it marked the first time female golfers were allowed to compete for the title. Among them, US-based Margaret Nyamukondiwa delivered an impressive performance, tying for third place with a final score of 222, 6-over-par. Nyamukondiwa’s rounds of 72, 78, and 72 demonstrated her skill and competitiveness in a traditionally male-dominated event.
Joining her in third place was 16-year-old Braydon Amm, a rising star from Mutare, who managed rounds of 74, 77, and 71. Amm is set to represent Zimbabwe at the British Junior Open next week, highlighting the growing prominence of young golfers in the country.
Top Performers and Emerging Talents
Kelvin Muchenje claimed the top spot with a gross total of 225, followed closely by young female golfer Miriam Masiya, who finished sixth with a score of 228. Another notable performance came from US-based Danielle Bekker, who tied for seventh with a gross total of 229.
Tournament Highlights and Future Prospects
The event saw participation from 74 players, reflecting the tournament’s growing appeal and the rising interest in golf within the region. Tournament convener Stephen Dzikiti expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, noting the significance of integrating female golfers into the competition.
“We are happy everything went well and there were no incidents to talk about. We had 74 players, which is a good number for our golf, and the young men and ladies who took part did very well. It used to be a men-only event, and this year we thought of bringing in the ladies to compete with their male counterparts,” Dzikiti said.
