Staff WriterLuis Carrera wasted no time making his mark, charging to an 18-under-par total to win the FBC Zim Open by four strokes at Royal Harare Golf Club.
In his very first start after securing playing privileges at Qualifying School, Luis Carrera turned heads and raised eyebrows with a masterclass of steady scoring and clutch putting.
Early Authority on the Back Nine
From the moment he teed off on Sunday, Carrera looked every bit the seasoned pro. After taking the outright lead following Friday’s second round, he never relinquished the top spot.
He birdied the third hole and eagled the fifth—two quick strokes that left competitors scrambling and spectators buzzing.
A Battle of Wills with Austin Bautista
Australia’s Austin Bautista, hot off his own Qualifying School success, kept pace through much of the final round.
Bautista trimmed the gap to one stroke with a birdie at the 12th, setting the stage for a tense back-nine duel. But Carrera, cool under pressure, answered smiles for smiles, crafting birdies at 14, 16 and 18 to put the contest to bed.
Key Moments in Luis Carrera’s Triumph
- Opening salvo: Birdie at No. 3, eagle at No. 5
- Mid-round wobble: Bogey at the par-3 11th hole reduced his lead to one
- Clutch finish: Three birdies over the final five holes sealed a four-stroke victory
This triumph marked the first title of the Sunshine Tour’s 2025/26 season—a statement win that bodes well for Carrera’s confidence and ranking.
Next-Gen Stars on Display
While Carrera claimed the crown, the leaderboard showcased emerging talent:
2nd: Austin Bautista (Australia) – 14 under par (final round 71)
T3: Fredrik From (Sweden) & MJ Viljoen (South Africa) – nine under par
5th: Trevor Fisher Jnr. – eight under par, continuing his penchant for close calls in Harare
What This Means for Carrera
For the Mexican, the FBC Zim Open win is more than a trophy—it’s tangible proof that his performance under the brightest lights matches his promise at Qualifying School.
Having led wire-to-wire, Carrera now turns his eyes to the next events on the Sunshine Tour, where he’ll aim to build on this momentum and challenge for Order of Merit honours.
By blending birdies, an eagle and nerves of steel, Luis Carrera delivered a headline performance at Royal Harare—one that promises more fireworks as the Sunshine Tour season unfolds.
