Madina grabs Zambia Open lead

TANZANIA: TANZANIA heroine golfer Madina Iddi shot an impressive 78-gross to take a first-round lead at the Zambia Ladies’ Amateurs Open Golf Strokeplay championship.

The annual three-day 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points showdown, which tee off on Friday at the par 73 Lusaka Golf Club course saw Madina starting on a sound note.

She beat over 100 opponents from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda and hosts Zambia who competed for the top honour. Tanzania sent four golfers to the tournament including Madina and Aalaa Somji from Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC), and Ayne Magombe who all started well in the championship category (handicap 0 -12).

Another player, Yasmin Chali, the TLGU Honorary Secretary competed in the Bo division and opened the event with 110 gross. Madina is looking to add another major trophy to her cabinet and strengthen her WAGR ranking position the 78 gross put in the pole position going to yesterday’s second round at the event that climaxed today.

The AGC’s golfers are being chased close by a host Esther Wemba of Zambia who carded 81 gross, while Gracious Mwenda also from Zambia had 82 at third place. In the 4th and 5th place respectively are Zambian Matha Matyola with 84 gros and Ugandan Peace Kabasweka who returned 85.

Also read: Arusha ready for the NCBA Golf Series

Ayne from Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) tied at 7th with Zambia Lorna Mwenda after carded 89 each. Another Tanzanian Aalaa Somji made it to the top ten after the first round tied at 7th with Ugandan Meron Kyomugisha and Zambian duo Margaret Kabwe and Annie Nsama each carded 90 gross.

“It was not an easy ride, the weather here is too cold, and the course has many challenges as well, I found myself in trouble and had three putts at some holes,” said Madina.

The event has been pooled into different categories including Championship (handicap 0 -12), Silver Division (handicap 13-20), Bronze Division (handicap 21-36) at 54 holes showdown, and beginners (handicap 37 and above) who will battle for only 18 holes.

Also, there will be seniors above 50 and juniors under 18 categories and optional team competition for those wishing to compete in that category.