Sea Cliff December Golf Challenge lights up Zanziba

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Sea Cliff December Golf Challenge was recently held at the scenic Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar Golf Course in Mangapwani, bringing together golfers for a memorable end-of-year showdown against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

The 18-hole Stableford competition attracted a strong field and lived up to its reputation for competitive yet friendly play. Rob Maunder emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 36 points, edging out Godfrey Kilenga, who finished runner-up on 35 points.

Patrick O’Rourke secured third place with 34 points, while Wilhelm Loderer was placed fourth on 30 points. Kazim Suleman rounded out the top five with 27 points, narrowly ahead of Josh Jay, who also scored 27 points but finished sixth on countback.

In the ladies’ category, Anita Kleineidam claimed the Lady Winner title with 26 points on countback, with Timea Chogo finishing as Lady Runner Up, also on 26 points.

Special awards on the day included Best Effort, won by Ned Gathu, Longest Drive by Abby Omari and Nearest to the Pin, claimed by Wilhelm Loderer.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ after the event, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar Golf Manager Sophie Nyanjera praised the continued growth of the tournament, attributing its success to strong backing from aviation, hospitality, financial and lifestyle brands.

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“We could not end the year as we wanted due to the unexpected call-offs, but we’re grateful to our sponsors, Golf Captain Tazio Barcelli, Vice-Captain Collins Chemng’orem, participants, Sea Cliff management and staff, our dedicated voluntary caddies, and photographers from the RK Sadricko Team,” said Nyanjera.

“Special thanks to Dennis Andritsch, General Manager of Park Hyatt Zanzibar, for staying until the end, the ZMMI team for the excellent wines, and Claus Kleineidam and family for choosing Sea Cliff. If we missed anyone, please know your support is truly appreciated.”

The December challenge was particularly significant as it marked the end-of-year tournament and the first official event under the leadership of the club’s first-ever elected Captain, Barcelli, alongside Vice-Captain Chemng’orem.

The event was sponsored by Auric Air, Exim Bank Tanzania, United Petroleum, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzi Resort, Villa Kiva, RK Sadricko, ZMMI, The Golf Lounge, Sea Cliff Village of Masaki Dar es Salaam and Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar, further cementing the tournament’s status as a highlight on Zanzibar’s golfing calendar.