MOMBASA: TANZANIAN golfers delivered an impressive performance at the Ladies Coast Open Golf Tournament in Mombasa, Kenya, over the weekend, securing top positions in the overall standings.
In the five-series tournament held across various courses along the Mombasa coastline, national team members Neema Olomi from Arusha Gymkhana Club and Vicky Elias from Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club showcased their skills despite challenging conditions.
Olomi secured second place overall with a total of 397 points across the five series, narrowly trailing behind the host, Mercy Nyanchama, who finished with 387 points.
Elias achieved third place with 407 points among over 100 golfers from East African Community (EAC) countries, including Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) Honorary Secretary Yasmin Chali also made notable strides, winning the net category at the Mombasa Club series with a score of 72 net, further cementing Tanzania’s dominance.
Olomi commented on her performance, attributing her success to intensive practice and preparation for a busy golf schedule. “My performance is very good right now, thanks to extensive training. However, equipment remains a challenge,” she said.
She expressed some disappointment over the final series at Nyali Golf & Country Club, where the competition was cut short due to darkness. Despite the challenges, the competition was well-organised, she noted.
At Nyali Golf & Country Club, the high number of participants—over 180 golfers—led to difficulties in completing the second round of the 36-hole event before darkness set in. As a result, only the scores from the first round were counted.
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Kenyan golfer Nyanchama won the title with a gross score of 75, while Olomi, with a 78, finished fifth. Elias, who carded 79, placed seventh.
Tanzanian golfers continued to make an impact throughout the series. Olomi clinched the gross title at the Diamonds Leisure leg at Leisure Lodge Golf Club in Mombasa, and also finished second at the Vipingo Ridge 18-hole event.
Her performance at Mombasa Club, with a gross score of 77, secured her second place behind Nyanchama, who shot 75.
Elias improved her performance throughout the series, securing third place at Diamonds Coast Open with a gross score of 83 and fourth place at Mombasa Club with a score of 78.
The tournament began at Malindi Golf and Country Club, where Nyanchama led with a gross score of 78. The second leg at Vipingo Ridge saw Kenya’s Naomi Wafula win with a 73 gross, with Olomi finishing as runner-up.
Overall, Tanzanian golfers demonstrated significant skill and resilience, highlighting their growing prominence in regional tournaments.