Arusha Open returns with WAGR status, bigger prize battle

ARUSHA: ARUSHA’s premier golfing event, the Arusha Open 2026, is set to attract some of the country’s finest amateur golfers when it tees off at the Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC) this weekend.

Sponsored by Reliance Insurance Company (Tanzania) Limited, the three-day championship that tees off tomorrow and concludes on Sunday will once again provide a platform for elite competition while offering valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points to eligible players.

AGC Vice-Captain Hiten Nathwani said the tournament will feature a 54-hole Gross Championship for golfers playing off handicap nine and below, while players in other handicap categories will compete over 36 holes in the Nett Championship from July 18 to 19.

Organisers said the event is designed to cater for golfers of all levels, with separate competitions for Division B (handicap 10-18), Division C (19-24), ladies, seniors and juniors.

The championship will also recognise outstanding daily performances, with prizes to be awarded to the Day Two and Day Three winners in addition to the overall champions.

The main championship will crown the Gross Winner, Gross Runner-up, and Gross Second Runnerup, while the Nett competition will reward both the winner and runnerup.

In the subsidiary events, trophies and prizes will also be presented to Division B and Division C winners and runners-up, as well as the topperforming lady, senior and junior golfers.

Only golfers with handicaps of nine and below will compete over the full three rounds, while all other divisions will play two rounds over the weekend. Tournament organisers have also introduced a cut after the second day for all divisions to ensure a competitive finish in the championship.

Participation has been set at an entry fee of 40,000/-, which covers green fees, halfway refreshments and lunch. Registration closes on July 15.

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Nathwani added that the tournament will be played under the Rules of Golf as approved by The R&A and carries WAGR recognition, further enhancing its importance on Tanzania’s amateur golf calendar.

With strong fields expected from golf clubs across the country, the Arusha Open continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Tanzania’s flagship amateur championships, combining high-level competition with the opportunity for golfers to improve their national and international standing.