Lugalo golfer wins top prize in Galinoma memorial event
CCM vice chairman (Mainland) Abdulrahman Kinana hands over the winner’s trophy to Lugalo Club golfer Khalid Shemndolwa at the end of the Ernest Galinoma Memorial Championship in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Looking on are the late Brigadier General Ernest Galinoma’s widow, Grace Kibassa, and Mwananchi Communication Limited (MCL) managing director Bakari Machumu. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Shemndolwa, who was playing off handicap 13, beat 90 other competitors after recording 68 net in the stroke play event
Dar es Salaam. Khalid Shemndolwa was the overall winner of this year’s Ernest Galinoma Memorial Golf Championship at the Lugalo Club course in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Shemndolwa, who was playing off handicap 13, beat 90 other competitors after recording 68 net in the stroke play event.
“I’m delighted to win this year’s trophy. It wasn’t easy at all, but I managed to keep my composure to achieve this. It’s my belief that I will perform even better in forthcoming tournaments," Shemndolwa said.
He said the secret to his victory was training hard and concentration. “You know, practise makes perfect. I have practised for a long time and it has borne fruit. The victory has lifted my spirits and I’m now looking forward to winning future tournaments,” said Shemndolwa.
He added, “The tournament was very tough, but when you win the title, it gives you more confidence to perform better in bigger events. I believe that it has changed something in all those who competed.”
The 18-hole competition saw Ernest Sengeu win the Division a title after scoring 72, while Onesphory Mhalwile was placed second after netting 74 strokes.
The Division B title went to Kiki Ayonga, who chalked up a net score of 72 to win on countback. Ayonga tied with Chediel Msechu.
In Division C, John Idd was triumphant after garnering 72 net, followed by Kazikupenda Chale, who scored 76 strokes.
In the ladies category, Vicky Elias won on countback after netting 70 against second placed Sarah Charo.
"It was a really nice game. I played well today and won the title. I want to continue practising because I know I will have what it takes to win bigger events," said Elias.
Isiaka Daudi emerged the winner in the longest drive category, while Hawa Wanyeche won the women’s prize.
The event also saw Ernest Sengeu win the top prize in the nearest to the pin category, while Abdallah Yusuf scooped the top prize in the professionals category.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the event’s chief guest, CCM vice chairman (Mainland) Abdulrahman Kinana, commended the golfers for finding time to participate in the tournament.
Kinana said the late Brigadier General Ernest Galinoma was at the forefront of the development of various sectors, including sports, especially golf.
Kinana added that he was relieved to participate in the competition, which was testimony to the late Galinoma’s popularity.
For his part, Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) managing director Bakari Machumu said the firm was proud to sponsor the event and will continue to provide support in various sports through the company's products, especially Mwanaspoti newspaper. Other MCL products are The Citizen and Mwananchi.
Machumu said football is currently enjoying the most coverage in various media, but MCL has started to focus on other sports, including golf.
He added that MCL has expanded its business scope and now offers courier services.
The late Galinoma's widow, Grace Kibbassa, thanked all golfers and sponsors for supporting the event.
Apart from MCL, other sponsors were Countrymen, Lugalo Golf Club,The Guardian Limited, and Tigo-Business. Also on the list were Bonite Bottlers Ltd. (Kilimanjaro Water, Silver Lake, SBC (Pepsi), Precision Air, ITALFRAME, Binti Mabutu and BEVCO Distributors Limited).
The late Brigadier General Galinoma, who died in 2016, was a prominent member of the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club in the 1990s and early 2000s before joining TPDF Lugalo Club in the late 2000s.
