Staff WriterMexico’s Luis Carrera has stamped his authority on the FBC Zim Open, heading into the weekend at Royal Harare Golf Club with a slender, yet decisive, one-stroke lead at 11 under par.
After signing for a second-round six-under-par 66 on Friday, Carrera birdied his final two holes to wrest the overall lead in the season-opening Sunshine Tour event.
It’s a statement that underlines Carrera’s intent on the Sunshine Tour, having already celebrated victory at April’s Qualifying School with a career-low 61 on the final day.
“I think the Sunshine Tour is a great tour. It gives you the potential to get to other tours like the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour. So that’s what made me decide to play here,” he said
A Dream Start to the Season
Carrera’s back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th encapsulated a round marked by precision and poise. “I’m just very happy to be playing a full season on the Sunshine Tour. I was fortunate to play good golf at the Q School and I won that.
Now I’m off to a good start here, and I’m happy about that. This is exactly the way I’d like to start the season.
So I’m just looking forward to the weekend. The course is in great shape and my game has been pretty good.”
His 11-under tally places him one clear of South African MJ Viljoen, who carded a flawless 66 — four birdies on his back nine — to sit at 10 under par.
As a multiple winner on the Sunshine Tour, Viljoen is no stranger to FBC Zim Open pressure, and his calm, methodical approach has him in prime position to pounce.
“I had a good couple of days and have been playing solid golf. The patience paid off today. I did my thing, kept the ball in play, and got it on the green,” he reflected.
Viljoen’s Game Plan
Focusing on process rather than scoreboard, Viljoen insists that patience and routine will be his allies.
“There will be a lot of thoughts going through my head. But if I just focus on my processes, stay patient, and keep doing what I am doing, you never know.”
Trailing closely in joint third at seven under par is former first-round leader Hennie Otto, whose 71 keeps him firmly in contention as the tournament moves into its weekend climax.
With the FBC Zim Open’s blend of challenging fairways and receptive greens in top condition, Sunday’s final round promises a thrilling conclusion.
Can Carrera maintain his birdie touch under pressure, or will Viljoen’s experience prevail?
One thing’s for sure: Harare’s Royal layout will provide no shortage of drama as the fight for the first Sunshine Tour title of the 2025/26 season heats up.
