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Africa Amateur Championship

Leopard Creek set for 2025 Africa Amateur Championship return

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The R&A
29 Jan 25
3 mins
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The 2025 Africa Amateur Championship is set to return to the prestigious Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa from 5–8 February 2025. 

Following the success of its inaugural event in 2024, the championship continues to provide a platform for the continent's top amateur golfers and emerging nations to showcase their talents. Situated adjacent to the renowned Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek offers a world-class setting for the competition. The 2025 championship will feature 72 male amateur golfers from across Africa, competing over 72 holes of stroke play. The winner will secure exemptions into the following tournaments: In addition to the men's event, the Africa Amateur Women's Invitational will take place concurrently, featuring 21 elite female amateur golfers competing over 54 holes. The women’s champion will receive exemptions into:
2024 Africa Amateur Championship Highlights

2025 Contenders

The 2025 field features some of Africa's most promising talents. Among the notable contenders are:
  • Michael Karanga Warigia (Kenya): Ranked 58th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®), Karanga boasts nine event wins in 2024 and 14 in 2023. Known for his community work through the Michael Karanga Golf Foundation, he aims to inspire the next generation of golfers.
  • Ivan Verster (South Africa): Runner-up at the 2024 Africa Amateur Championship, Verster is a member of the GolfRSA National Squad. His 2024 season highlights include a win at the Central Gauteng Open and leading the field in birdies at last year’s championship.
  • Keegan Shutt (Zimbabwe): At just 18, Shutt tied eighth in the 2024 Africa Amateur Championship, finishing with a course-record 62. A committed collegiate golfer, he is one of Zimbabwe’s brightest prospects.
  • Reagan Akena (Uganda): Winner of four WAGR® events in 2024, including the Uganda Amateur Open, Akena credits improved coaching and training facilities for his meteoric rise.
  • Vincent Chidambazina (Zimbabwe): A survivor of Cyclone Idai in 2019, Chidambazina turned personal tragedy into triumph with three wins in 2024. At just 18, he embodies resilience and hope. 

Growing the game

The establishment of the Africa Amateur Championship and the Women’s Invitational reflects The R&A’s commitment to fostering talent and creating pathways for aspiring golfers in the region. The 2024 championship saw South Africa's Altin van der Merwe claim the men’s title after a thrilling play-off, earning him a spot in The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, while Kyra van Kan emerged victorious in the women’s invitational the previous day. As the 2025 championship approaches, anticipation builds to see which emerging talents will seize the opportunity to compete on this esteemed stage and potentially launch their careers onto the international golfing scene.

About the Championship

Rolex is an event partner of the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational and is committed to supporting The R&A’s professional and amateur championships. The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back almost 60 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the game, from the sport’s leading professional and amateur competitions and organisations to players at the pinnacle of their discipline and younger talents embarking on their journey towards greatness. For more information on the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, including competing players, please visit www.randa.org. You can also follow official social media channels across Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
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Africa Amateur Championship