Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE golfing calendar in Zanzibar teed off in fine style over the weekend as players converged on the stunning Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club in Mangapwani for the January Golf Challenge.
Marking the first monthly tournament of the year, the event was contested over 18 holes in the Stableford format, offering an ideal blend of competitive golf and social camaraderie.
Golfers enjoyed immaculate fairways and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, providing a fitting backdrop for the season opener. Christiaan Potgieter delivered a standout performance to claim the Overall Nett title, finishing atop the leaderboard with an impressive 43 points.
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In Division A, Patrick O’Rourke emerged victorious with 38 points, while Mussa Foum secured the runner-up position on 28 points. Division B honours went to Andrew Chung, who posted a strong 39 points, edging out Murtaza Hassanali on 36 points.
Division C saw Collins Chemng’orem produce an excellent round to win the category with 41 points. He was followed by Imran Niskale in second place with 35 points, while Wilhelm Loderer rounded out the podium on 34 points.
The Ladies’ category was won by Ricolette Potgieter, whose solid performance earned her top honours with 37 points. A number of special prizes added to the excitement of the day.
Robert Gitau enjoyed a particularly memorable outing, claiming both Nearest to the Pin on Hole 9 and Longest Drive on Hole 4. Kevin Kibe was recognised for Best First 9 with 18 points, while Ned Gathu took the Best Second 9 award with 15 points. The Best Effort award went to Nurdin Mohamed, also on 15 points.
Speaking after the tournament, club golf manager Sophie Nyanjera expressed her gratitude to all involved.
“A huge thank you to everyone who made the January Golf Challenge a success,” she said.
The event was supported by an impressive lineup of sponsors, including Auric Air, Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar, Lemon Spa Masaki, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, RK Sadricko, Sea Cliff Court, Villa Kiva Resort, Zanzi Resort, Whitesands Dar and Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar.
Additional appreciation was extended to the Golf Captain and ViceCaptain, all participating golfers, master of ceremonies Kevin Kibe, Nurdin Mohamed for professional photography and the entire Sea Cliff team for their continued support.
With the January challenge setting a high benchmark, excitement is already building for the next tournament, scheduled for February 14, as organisers invite fresh ideas to make the upcoming event even better.
