Dar, Nairobi share title at TZ Open

Top golfer Victor Joseph shared the Tanzania Open Golf title with Kenya’s Edwin Mudanyi at the end of the four-day championship at Kili Golf Club course in Arusha.

Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Harrison Mwakyembe is among dignitaries who turned out at the club to witness the championship, which featured top golfers from around the continent.

The two players matched in skills and tactics as they tied on aggregate 296 gross strokes after the end of the 72-hole tournament.

This forced the organisers to stage a play-off that was keenly watched by minister Mwakyembe at par-3 no. 18, which saw them tie twice tied after they secured a par each.

They were to play again yesterday at the same venue, but the Kenyan golfer said he could not stay longer in Arusha due to lack of funds. It was, therefore, resolved that they share the top honour.

Joseph, one of the best amateur golfers in the country, had a good start after posting 71, 74 76, 73 in early rounds to lead from day one.

But Mudanyi, who didn’t look a threat in the first round, improved in the last two days. In the opening day, he posted 78, 76, 71, 70.

Seif Mcharo from TPDF Lugalo Club finished third overall.

after grossing 78,77,73,73 strokes.

Also on the list who won titles were Mirisho Sarakikya, who notched 69 points to win the senior golfers title, while Beatus Kasegenya carved 61 points to emerge runner-up.

Tayana William won ladies title after returning 71 total stableford points followed by Madina iddi who posted 69 points.

Division A prize went to Prabvir Singh who grossed 295 to win on countback after tying with his close pursuer, Richard Mtweve on the same score.

Mwqakyembe who officially closed the tournament, said the government will continue to provide areas for those who want to invest in sports.

He said he was impressed with victor Joseph whose skil.lsshowed Tanzania is gifted with lots of talent, but they only need support.

TGU chairman Joseph Tango thanked the Minister for his efforts to develop sports and spair time to grace their event.

Meanwhile, Royal Nairobi’s David Wakhu and Mumias Golf Club’s Dismas Indiza charged to second and third places behind Zimbabwe’s Ryan Cairns, who made his third 73 for three over par 219 to lead Wakhu by a shot as the real chase for money begun after the second round cut.