Author: MBONILE BURTON, Morogoro
AfricaPress-Tanzania: DEFENDING Champion Angel Eaton tied by Vicky Elias to lead after the first round of the Morogoro Ladies Open Golf Stroke Play Championship 2020.
The opening round of the event at Morogoro Gymkhana Club course on Saturday saw Eaton and Elias both from Tanzania people’s Defense Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club of Dar es Salaam tying on 82 strokes at the end of first 18 holes.
It was not that impressive score but it was enough to put them ahead of the rest by four shots going into today’s final 18 holes.
The effect of missing out action for several months due to coronavirus pandemic contributed much to the slow start. Defending champions and national team ace Eaton said she faced several challenges, all caused by lack of adequate practice.
“I struggled a little, especially in putting, I know I have been out of courses for sometimes, but that should not be an excuse, I should do better than this,” said Eaton.
Elias could easily take first round lead if not for the last hole bogey. She had to take two strokes penalty after her second shot that went to the ditch before she steadied her hand with a nice shot and long put to the hole.
“Always the first round is very important, but it is not that easy though putting was a big challenge, we will see what we will bring tomorrow,” added Elias.
The two lead by four shots over their closest challenger Neema Olomi from Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC).
Olomi carded 86 gross to settle at second position while Habiba Juma who grossed 88 strokes settled at the third place.
This year’s event, however, missed out several top players like TPDF Lugalo Ladies Captain Hawa Wanyeche and AGC’s Madina Idd, who could not play due to other responsibilities.
The two-day competition that has come to life this year after six year’s absence set to wind up today with men’s also invited to compete in a subsidiary category.
Jointly organised by Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) and Morogoro club, the event is a 36-hole tournament played in a stroke-play format.
The TLGU Vice President Anita Siwale said she was delighted with the attendance, and the organisation of the event at this difficult year as most of the sponsors have been affected COVID-19 crisis.
She thanked the event’s main sponsor Vacuna Limited, and Pepsi who joined as the co-sponsors.
