Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s leading professionals and elite amateurs, led by Nuru Mollel, Fadhyl Nkya and Isiaka Dunia, are expected to headline the Vodacom Tanzania Open when the prestigious tournament tees off from October 22 to 25 at Kili Golf Club in Arusha.
About 200 golfers are expected to compete in the four day championship, which will also attract players from Kenya and other countries, setting the stage for a strong regional contest.
The professional and elite amateur categories will start on October 22, with players competing over 72 holes through to October 25. Other divisions, comprising men, ladies, juniors and seniors, will compete over 36 holes on October 24 and 25.
Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) chairman Gilman Kasiga said defending champion Njoroge Kibugu of Kenya is expected to return, adding further quality to a tournament that has become one of the country’s major golf events.
Mollel is expected to lead Tanzania’s professional challenge alongside Nkya, while Dunia will spearhead the country’s elite amateur contingent.
The Tanzanian trio will face a strong Kenyan field, with the neighbouring country having enjoyed considerable success in recent editions of the tournament. Kibugu won last year’s professional title, while compatriot John Lejirma claimed the elite amateur championship.
The Kenyan contingent is also expected to include several other leading golfers, adding to the competition for honours in both the professional and elite amateur categories.
Mollel, Nkya and Dunia are among the Tanzanian golfers expected to carry the country’s hopes in the two main categories when the tournament begins.
The championship will bring together professionals and elite amateurs in the opening three days, before the other divisions join the competition for the final two days.
The tournament is expected to provide an opportunity for golfers from Tanzania and across the region to compete on one of the country’s major golf stages.
The presence of players from Kenya and other countries will also add an international dimension to the event, with organisers expecting a competitive field throughout the four days.
Vodacom Tanzania’s continued involvement as title sponsor has helped raise the profile of the tournament and strengthen its position on the national golfing calendar.
The company’s partnership with the event has also provided a platform for bringing together golfers, sponsors and other stakeholders through one of Tanzania’s leading golf competitions.
With the professional and elite amateur categories scheduled to open the tournament on October 22, all eyes will be on Tanzania’s leading golfers as they take on competitors from Kenya and elsewhere.
Mollel, Nkya and Dunia will be among the home golfers attracting attention as the Vodacom Tanzania Open returns to Kili Golf Club for four days of competition.