DAR ES SALAAM: HOST junior Ibrahim Juma dazzled with a stunning twounder-par 70 gross, taking a commanding four-shot lead after the first round of the inaugural TPDF Lugalo Junior Golf Invitational Tournament.
The event tee-off yesterday concludes today as juniors join others celebrating Tanzania’s 63rd Independence Day, but in a different manner at the golf course.
The tournament, teed off at the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, is a twoday, 36-hole competition featuring boys and girls aged 18.
The opening round saw over 80 juniors from across Tanzania showcasing impressive skills. Handicap 5 golfer Juma surprised many with his incredible 70 at the par-72 course.
However, the competition remains fierce; with Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) junior Julius Mwinzani, a handicap 4 and securing second place with an impressive 74 gross.
The top five standings are closely contested, with handicap 3 Ramadhan Yasin of Lugalo in third after carding 75.
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Tied for fourth place are Aladin Jumanne (handicap 5) from Morogoro Gymkhana Club and Mohamed Moshi (handicap 5) of Lugalo, scoring 78 strokes each.
In the girls’ category, Shufwaa Twalib of Lugalo, a handicap 18, leads with an 89 gross, setting the stage for an intense final round.
In the nine-hole category, Morogoro Gymkhana junior D. Nicolaus leads with a 49 gross, followed closely by Maulid Iddi and F. Emmanuel all of Lugalo, who tied for second with 50 each.
For juniors competing in the three-hole category, Christina Yona of Kili Golf leads with 24 gross, followed by E. Pope (25 gross) of DGC and Sarahat Adam (26 gross) of Lugalo in a tight contest. Lugalo juniors coach and professional golfer Athumani Chiundi praised the juniors’ performance, acknowledging the tournament’s competitive nature.
“As you can see from the first-round results, the juniors played very well. The competition is tough and we’ll have to wait for the final round to see who comes out on top,” he said.
Kain Mbaya, Chairman of the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club Juniors Golf Committee, expressed excitement about hosting over 80 junior golfers from across Tanzania, a milestone for youth golf development in the country.
Mbaya thanked main sponsor NCBA and co-sponsor Assemble Insurance for their support, noting that all participants were provided with a full medical insurance package for the three-day event.
The tournament features various categories, including 18- hole competitions for boys and girls, nine-hole and three-hole events, putting competitions, longest drive and nearest-to-thepin contests.
A special golf clinic for beginners is also scheduled, providing newcomers a chance to learn and experience the sport while celebrating Independence Day.
To enhance the inclusive and fun-filled atmosphere, an entertainment area has been set up for younger children who may not be participating in the tournament.
The final round promises intense competition as the juniors aim to secure victory and showcase their talents on the national stage.
