Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA’s golfers made an encouraging start at the Africa Amateur Championship and the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, both underway at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in South Africa, as the nation’s representatives began their quest against Africa’s finest amateur talents.
Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club’s top amateur golfer, Isiaka Dunia, emerged as the country’s standout performer in the men’s competition after the opening round of the four-day, 72-hole championship.
Dunia returned a four-over-par 76, placing him tied 29th (T29) in a fiercely competitive field of 72 players drawn from across the continent.
On a demanding Royal Johannesburg layout, his round was marked by resilience and composure, highlighted by birdies on the back nine as he held his own against one of the strongest amateur line-ups Africa has produced in recent years.
Fellow Tanzanian golfer Enosh Wanyeche completed his opening round with a 13-over-par 85, placing him tied 62nd (T62), and will be seeking a strong comeback in the remaining rounds.
At the top of the leaderboard, South Africa’s Ivan Verster set the early pace with an impressive five under-par 67, while a tightly packed chasing group remained within striking distance.
The stakes in the men’s championship are exceptionally high, with the winner earning a coveted exemption into the 154th Open Championship, adding prestige and intensity to the continental contest.
In the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, Tanzania’s Madina Hussein faced a challenging start, posting a 14-over-par 86 to sit 17th in a field featuring some of Africa’s leading female amateur golfers.
Despite the tough conditions, Hussein displayed determination and grit, gaining valuable experience at the continental level.
South Africa dominated the women’s leaderboard, led by Lisa Coetzer, who opened with an even-par 72, followed closely by compatriots Charlotte Millard and Lourenda Steyn.
This year’s championships highlight the growing depth and competitiveness of amateur golf across Africa.
The men’s event features players from Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Namibia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tunisia and Gabon.
Others are Angola, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Benin, while the women’s invitational includes representatives from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Tunisia.
With three rounds still to play and the championships running through February 7, 2026, Tanzania’s golfers will be aiming to climb the leader board and make a stronger push in the days ahead.
All eyes will remain on Isiaka Dunia and Madina Hussein as they carry the national flag into the decisive rounds at Royal Johannesburg
