Vicky starts well in African Amateur golf championship

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s four golfers yesterday started their campaign for winning silverware in the inaugural edition of the Africa Amateur Championship in South Africa.

The golfers are Vicky Elias and Madina Iddi who compete in the women’s category while Isiaka Daudi and Ally Mcharo in the men’s.

Elias recorded 38 strokes to finish in the top five in the first nine holes and was placed third while Kaiyuree Moodley of South Africa was at the top with 36 strokes and was followed by Kyra Van Kan, also of South Africa with 38.

Kenyan Naomi Wafula was placed fourth with 38 strokes and fifth was Ellandri Van Heerden, also from South Africa. Another Tanzanian golfer Madina Iddi was not at her best in the first nine holes as she recorded 40 strokes.

Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) president Queen Siraki was, however, inspired with the results, believing the golfers will rectify their strokes in the next rounds.

“I have been inspired with the results of the first nine holes, I believe as the competition goes on, they will make it,” said Siraki.

Meanwhile, the inaugural edition of the Africa Amateur Championship and the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational are not only prestigious events for the continent, but also represent a pivotal moment for golf in Africa.

As well as the glory earned by the newly crowned champions and the life-changing opportunities that come with success at Leopard Creek this week, they are also catalysts for development, provide inspiration for young golfers and offer a clear pathway to the pinnacle of the sport.

 “The African Amateur Championship and the importance of it to all golfers in Africa is just spectacular,” said South Africa’s Jordan Burnand.