Tanzania juniors face tough start at Region 4 golf tourney

MAURITIUA: TANZANIA’s junior golf team showed determination and spirit as they teed off in the first round of the 2025 Region 4 Juniors Under-18 Golf Tournament, held at the scenic Tamarina Golf Club in Tamarin, Mauritius.

Despite stiff competition from regional heavyweights, the Tanzanian squad finished the opening round in fifth place with a team gross score of 262 (+46) in the field of six countries.

The three-day, 54-hole tournament, which brings together top junior golfers from across Southern and Eastern Africa, is played in a stroke play format.

Each participating country fields four players—two boys and two girls, with the three best scores counting towards the team total.

Tanzania’s performance was anchored by Ibrahim Juma, who carded a round of 84.

Team captain Shufaa Twalib added an 86 (+14), while Ramadhani Yasin posted a 92 to round out the top three scores contributing to the team’s total. Loyce Emilias, the team’s fourth player, carded a 121 gross, which was not included in the team score.

The leaderboard after Tuesday’s first round was led by Reunion (+10, 226), followed by Kenya (+17, 233), Mauritius (+27, 243), Uganda (+42, 258), Tanzania (+46, 262) and Madagascar (+60, 276).

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The Tanzanian team is accompanied by professional golfer and coach Angel Eaton from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam.

Her presence brings invaluable experience and mentorship to the young players, many of whom are competing at this level for the first time.

Speaking before the team’s departure, Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) Coordinator Johnson John said the tournament is crucial for young golfers to gain international experience, learn and prepare for major championships.

He also underlined the role of golf in shaping character and building cross-border friendships.

“Golf instils discipline and shapes young people to become good ambassadors for their country. These competitions also help to strengthen friendships among countries within our region,” he said.

With the second round underway on Wednesday and the final round set to conclude today, the Tanzanian team will be aiming to improve their standing and gain valuable experience from each round.