In a stunning turn of fairway fortune, young Zambian amateur Likomeno Kennedy has already stolen the show at the Mopani Zambia Open 2026.
Here’s the remarkable twist, the prestigious tournament only kicked off today, the 9th of June, at Nkana Golf Club, and is scheduled to run through to the 14th of June 2026. Yet, on Day One itself, before most players had even settled into their rhythm, Kennedy delivered a moment that will be talked about for decades.
From hole no.11, he executed a flawless hole-in-one, a rare and thrilling feat in golf where a player sinks the ball directly from the tee into the cup with a single stroke. Considered one of the most difficult achievements in any sport, a hole-in-one often takes years, even a lifetime to accomplish. But Kennedy made it look effortless.
His perfectly struck shot sailed through the air, landed true, and rolled straight to the bottom of the cup – securing him a brand-new Land Cruiser Pick-Up, generously sponsored by CFAO Mobility Zambia.
The historic moment marked the first-ever hole-in-one victory in CFAO Mobility Zambia’s tournament history. Dozens of professional and amateur golfers had stepped up to the 14th tee before him. All had come up short. Then Kennedy stepped in, found his rhythm, and let the club do the rest.
As the ball tracked toward the pin and vanished, a few golfers roared. Then more joined. Soon the entire gallery understood: an amateur had just outplayed the odds-on golf’s biggest stage – and he did it with five full days of competition still to play.
“This proves anyone holding a club can be a victor,” Kennedy said post-round.
The Mopani Zambia Open may have just begun, but one swing on opening day has already defined the week.
CFAO Mobility Zambia – driving dreams from tee to trophy, Congratulations to Kennedy.
