Rowan Lester’s first Sunshine Tour start of the 2026 season yielded a T20 finish after a closing level-par 72 in the FCB ZIM Open at Royal Harare Golf Club in Zimbabwe’s capital.
The Hermitage man carded 14 pars with two birdies and two bogeys – one on each side – to finish the week on seven-under-par after going 69-72-68 on days one-to-three respectively.
It’s a solid start to the campaign after an impressive rookie season in which he retained his playing card comfortably, and he now turns his attention to next week’s Kit Kat Cast & Carry Pro-Am where he’ll be joined again by Liam Grehan who missed the cut in Zimbabwe.
Former Sunshine Tour Rookie of the Year, Altin van der Merwe, claimed his maiden Sunshine Tour title with a four-stroke triumph on 21-under-par.
Van Der Merwe led by four strokes going into the final round and closed with a 68 to add his name to a list of former champions of this tournament that includes Major winners and world number ones.
“I’m very pleased. First of all, Happy Mother’s Day to my wife. This is her first Mother’s Day and I’ll see her tonight and see if I can treat her,” said Van Der Merwe.
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