Author: MBONILE BURTON
AfricaPress-Tanzania: AALA Somji of Arusha Gymkhana Club (DGC) over the weekend beat a strong field of over 120 golfers to win both ladies category and overall titles of OPEN Diplomatic Golf took place at Kili Golf Club in Arusha.
Somji stunned other golfers from different countries including Kenya, Uganda, America, France, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, Germany, Malawi, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, India, South Africa and fellow Tanzanians for a comfortable 45 stable ford points for her first biggest victory.
“I feel good, it is my biggest win,” I thank my father, he is the one behind my success,” “ It definitely gives me more confidence. I’m just happy the way I played out and the golf course was fantastic too,” said Somji.
She complements organisers and also appeals for more ladies to take on the game.
Ministries for Foreign Affairs and that of East Africa Cooperation in collaboration with Zanzibar Tourism Board have supported the event as orgainsers set sight for bigger next year. CRDB, Tanfoam, Basil & Alred, Jibu Water, Kilivilla, Siringit, House of gems, Manta resorts, Lemala, MMI, European Business Group Tanzania, Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR), Vodacom and DSTV sponsorsed the event that was opened for men’s and ladies Diplomats, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and other golfers from East African Community (EAC) and beyond.
Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Damas Ndumbaro, is among those who masterminded the unique tournament.
He complements Kili Golf for making the event a success. The event generated about 6M/- to support Songea Mississippi Foundation (So-MI) with golfer Nathan Mpangala receiving its dummy cheque on behalf during the presentation ceremony.
Somji closest challenger Maryanne Mugo also impressed scooping 41 points to finish second in the ladies’ discipline. The event saw Simon Travers posting 38 points to emerge Division A winner, Simran Singh with 38 too came second and Prabvir Singh finished third with 36 points.
Division B winner was Tejinder Singh Bansal (35pts), David Nolan was second (34pts) and Kelly Kariuki took third placed returned 34 points too, while Division c winner was Abbas Lalji, Stephen Chuwalo was second and third placed was Robert Daniel.
Tanzania Golf Union Secretary Chris Martin took senior top prize, while junior prize went to Mohamed Asad. Four golfers also who won nearest to the pin include Edmund Mndolwa at hole no. 3, TGU Chairman Martin took at hone no. 7 while Lugalo captain Japhet Masai and Neema Olomi went on to win at no. 15 and 18 respectively.
Gulu Charma won the tournament’s longest drive.
