Sea Cliff Zanzibar set for epic golf season opener

ZANZIBAR: THE golfing calendar in Zanzibar tees off in style this Saturday with the January Golf Challenge at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club in Mangapwani, Zanzibar.

The tournament, the first monthly golf challenge of the year, will be played over 18 holes in a Stableford format, and is expected to offer a competitive yet social atmosphere, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Interest in the event has been strong, with golfers drawn from across the region and backed by a wide range of sponsors.

Club Golf Manager Sophie Nyanjera confirmed yesterday that all preparations have been completed ahead of the tee-off.

“We are ready for a wonderful start to the year,” Nyanjera said, acknowledging the support of sponsors including Auric Air, Villa Kiva Resort, Zanzi Resort, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Sea Cliff Court, Whitesands Resort (Dar es Salaam), Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar, Lemon Spa and Masaki R.K. Sadricko Products.

A strong field of players has already confirmed participation, among them Godfrey Kilenga, Tazio Bercelli, Collins K. Chemng’orem, Mussa Foum, Kevin Kibe, Ali Katunda, Kazim Suleman, Murtaza Hassanali, Greg Eayrs, Wilhelm Loderer.

Others are Nurdin Mohamed, Josh Jay, Ned Gathu, Patrick O’Rourke, Andrew Chung, Christiaan Potgieter, Ricolette Potgieter and Robert Gitau.

Nyanjera thanked golfers for registering and assured them of a well-organised event, revealing that attractive prizes are on offer.

These include accommodation rewards at Villa Kiva, Sea Cliff Zanzi Bar, Sea Cliff Court and Whitesands Resort in Dar es Salaam.

Participants will also compete for surprise gifts from Lemon Spa, Auric Air—the club’s preferred airline—Zanzi Resort, Park Hyatt Zanzibar and RK Sadricko Body Works.

The January Golf Challenge marks the second official tournament under the club’s newly elected leadership, headed by Golf Captain Tazio Bercelli and Vice Captain Collins Chemng’orem.

Their first tournament, the Sea Cliff December Golf Challenge, was held at the same venue and attracted a strong turnout.

Rob Maunder emerged overall winner with 36 points, followed closely by Godfrey Kilenga on 35 points. Patrick O’Rourke finished third with 34 points, Wilhelm Loderer fourth on 30 points, and Kazim Suleman fifth with 27 points, edging Josh Jay on countback.

In the ladies’ category, Anita Kleineidam claimed the Lady Winner title with 26 points on countback, while Timea Chogo finished runner-up on the same score.

With momentum building from December’s success, organisers are confident the January Golf Challenge will add another exciting chapter to Sea Cliff’s growing golf tradition.