DAR ES SALAAM: MARIUS Kajuna and Isiaka Daudi delivered a dominant performance in the first round of the CDF Trophy, leading the leader board with an impressive two-over par in the 54- hole national event at the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam.
Kajuna started off slowly, recording consecutive bogeys on holes 2, 3 and 5. However, he bounced back with a birdie on hole 7, finishing the front nine at two over par.
Despite struggling on hole 10, a par-5 where he carded a double-bogey 7, Kajuna rallied with three birdies and a bogey to complete the round with a total of 74 strokes.
Daudi began strongly with a one-over par on the first nine and remained level until hole 16. A double-bogey on the par-3 17th dropped him into a tie for the lead with Kajuna, both finishing with 74 strokes.
They are one shot ahead of their closest challenger and fellow club-mate Enosh Wanyeche, who carded 75.
Fresh off his victory at the Lina PG Tour Pro-Am at the Moshi Gymkhana Club in Kilimanjaro last week, Enosh poses a serious threat to the overnight leaders as he aims for another trophy on his home course.
ALSO READ: Mo Dewji mourns basketball legend Mutombo
In the mix for the top spots are Ibrahim Mtemi, a promising young golfer from TPC Moshi, and Claude Mtavangu of Lugalo, both of whom carded 77 strokes.
In the professional category, Rajab Pembe leads with a score of 75, one stroke ahead of his closest challengers, Elisante Lembris and Iddi Mzaki, who both carded 76. Pros category favourites, Hassan Kadio, Nuru Mollel and Isaac Wanyeche follow in fourth place with 77 strokes each.
Over 200 golfers in different categories, including elite amateurs, professionals, Men’s Division A, B, Senior, Ladies and Juniors, are taking part in the event.
This annual tournament for the first time elite amateurs competing for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points at the 54-hole showdown, which will wind up tomorrow. Organised by TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in collaboration with the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), the prestigious event brings together top male and female golfers from across the country.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob Mkunda, is set to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony tomorrow, as confirmed by Lugalo Club Chairman, Michael Luwongo.
The competition began with elite golfers and pros, who are battling it out in the 54- hole showdown.
Other categories will compete in a 36-hole format over two days. Elite overall winner will cash home 4m/- courtesy of the main sponsor, NMB. Co-sponsor Toyota has added excitement by offering a brand-new car to any amateur player who scores a hole-in-one, first for the tournament.
Comments are closed.