CDF Golf Trophy: A Celebration of Sportsmanship!

DAR ES SALAAM: THE CDF Trophy, a prestigious golf tournament held over three consecutive days, concluded over the weekend.

This year’s event was better than previous ones, bringing together over 250 players from various golf clubs across Tanzania, showcasing intense competition and remarkable sportsmanship.

The tournament, hosted at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, was part of the celebrations marking the TPDF’s 60th anniversary. Players from various clubs including Kili Golf, Arusha Gymkhana, Moshi Gymkhana, TPC Club, Morogoro Gymkhana, Kilombero Club, Mufindi Club, Dar es Salaam Gymkhana, and the host Lugalo Club demonstrated exceptional talent and skill.

The overall winner walked away with a 4m/- cash prize generously sponsored by NMB Bank. During the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Forces of Tanzania, General Jacob Mkunda, who was the chief guest, expressed gratitude to the Lugalo Golf Club for organising the successful tournament.

“I acknowledge the Lugalo golf committee for organising the competitions aiming to celebrate TPDF’s 60th anniversary since its establishment on September 1, 1964. Mkunda also acknowledged the founding figure of the tournament, retired General George Waitara, who envisioned creating a platform for golf games in the country.

General Mkunda highlighted the club’s success in developing golfers capable of competing on international platforms, noting the TPDF golf team had recently participated in the 2024 World Military Golf Championships in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, achieving commendable results.

He also announced rewards for three outstanding female players who excelled in Zimbabwe, emphasising the importance of international recognition, such as bronze medals, which are among the three major awards acknowledged globally.

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There awarded TPDF female team are Sara Dennis, Khadija Lusakale and Leticia Kapalila. In his remarks, General Mkunda extended thanks to NMB Bank, the main sponsor, for their longstanding collaboration and support, as well as to co-sponsors including Toyota, Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited, Serena Hotels and Justfit, whose contributions were crucial to the event’s success.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the main sponsor, NMB Bank, for their support in this competition and other events. Additionally, I extend my thanks to our co-sponsors: Toyota, Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited, Serena Hotel and Justfit, for your significant contributions. I would also like to commend the golf tournament organisers, assuring the team that Tanzania People’s Defence Force will continue to collaborate with golf unions in promoting this sport,” he stressed.

During the tournament, Enoshi Wanyeche from Lugalo Golf Club emerged as the overall champion with a gross score of 224. Isiaka Daudi claimed second place with a score of 226, while Marius Kajuna all from Lugalo secured third with a score of 230. Ally Isanzu from TPC finished fourth with a gross score of 231, followed by Michael Masawe from Lugalo with a score of 233.

In the professional category, Nuru Mollel from Arusha Gymkhana topped the leaderboard with a total score of 149, earning a top prize. Isaac Wanyeche from Kili Golf placed second with 150 strokes, with Elisante Lembris also at 150 strokes from Arusha Gymkhana in third place based on count back rules.

The subsidiary category featured players with handicaps and was divided into men’s divisions A, B, C, seniors, ladies and juniors. Khalid Shemndolwa claimed victory in Section A with a nett score of 143, while John Iddi won B Division with the same nett score. Kennedy Kajuna triumphed in Division C with a nett score of 141.

Qin Zhang won the ladies category winner with a nett score of 144. Edmund Mndolwa from Lugalo won the senior category with a nett score of 132.

In the junior’s category, Ibrahim Juma secured the top spot with 75 strokes. Additionally, Stephen Chuwalo, playing with a six handicap, won the NMB Staff category title with a nett score of 161 and Benson William, also from Lugalo, clinched the Overall nett title with a 134 score.

The longest drive awards were taken by Samwel Kileo for men and Loveness Mungure for ladies, adding excitement to an already successful event.

NMB Bank’s Chief Customer and Business Officer, Filbert Mponzi, reiterated the bank’s commitment to the Lugalo Golf Club and highlighted their role as a significant partner in this prestigious event for seven consecutive years. Queen Siraki, President of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), praised the tournament’s inclusivity, particularly the involvement of the juniors.

She stressed the importance of providing young players with opportunities to compete alongside adults, fostering their development as future champions.