Tanzanian top golfers feature in Africa Amateur tourney
DAR ES SALAAM – TANZANIA will once again be in the spotlight as three of its top golfers depart for South Africa today to compete in the second edition of the prestigious Africa Amateur Golf Championship.
Organised by the world golf governing body, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) of St Andrews, Scotland, the championship brings together Africa’s top men’s and ladies’ elite amateur golfers for a four-day competition at Leopard Creek Country Club.
Representing Tanzania in the women’s category are Madina Iddi from Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC) and Vicky Elias from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club of Dar es Salaam. Meanwhile, Samweli Kileo, also from Lugalo Club, will compete in the men’s category.
The Africa Amateur Championship is set to tee off from February 5-8, 2025, featuring 72 male golfers from across Africa competing in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The winner will earn an exemption to The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. Additionally, an invitational once again extended for 21 elite female golfers from the continent will be held at the same venue. However, the female golfers will compete for the 54 holes and will be no cut, unlike the men’s category.
Madina and Vicky are among the 21 African women competing in a 54-hole tournament, having secured their invitations through their World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status.
Speaking to the Sunday News in Dar es Salaam yesterday before their departure Tanzania representative said they are well prepared for the challenge. Madina expressed confidence ahead of the tournament and said: “It won’t be easy, but I’ve played on this course before, which gives me a slight advantage. I am determined to perform better this time.”
Both Madina and Vicky underscored that their experience from last year’s tournament has better prepared them for this year’s challenge.
Meanwhile, Kileo, making his debut in the event, faces a tough challenge. He will need to put in a strong performance to make the second-round cut and progress further in the competition. Last year, Tanzania was represented by Isiaka Daudi (Lugalo) and Ally Isanzu (TPC Moshi) in the men’s category, but due to various reasons, they will not be participating this time.
