The illustrious General Waitara Golf Tournament sponsored by Johnnie Walker had a successful climax with George Nyakundi emerging the overall winner in the annual tournament which takes place annually at the JWTZ (Jeshi la Ulinzi la Wananchi Tanzania) Golf course, in Lugalo, Dar es Salaam.
Nyakundi who plays at the handicap level of golf illustrated great composure and skill in the tournament, hitting a tournament best of 65 strokes which placed him at first place against 118 other contestants who were also eying the tournament trophy.Second place was snatched by Michael Obare who followed Nyakundi closely, but ultimately only managed a net 66 strokes.
Speaking to the media, Serengeti Breweries Limited Spirits Brand Manager, Mr. ShomariShija said that it has been their honor to sponsor the Waitara Tournament for the fifth consecutive year. “In addition to honoring the contribution of retired General George Waitara to the golf scene in the country we love to engage our consumers whom we know to enjoy Johnnie Walker as well as a good round of golf. This tournament aims to also combine the two things they love most and for a good cause.”
Announcing the final results of the Tournament group winners, Mr. Japhet Masai, who is also the golf club Captain, said Group A level which comprises players of the highest level of skill and ability had youngster Suleiman Kessy with a handicap 9 hitting 69 strokes, Jumanne Ally with a handicap 8 took second place with 70 strokes, meanwhile JumaLikuli with Handicap 8 managing 70 strokes also to claim third spot. Nicholas Chatanda with handicap 11 won the trophy for group B level with 68 strokes, followed closely with the Captain for Club Gymkhana Dar es salaam, AkhilYusufali handicap 16 who hit 71 strokes and lastly Prisca Nyoni handicap 12 clinching third spot in the group with 72 strokes.Kelvin Manuhwa handicap 19 won group C level with 72 strokes followed by R. Rwiguza handicap 24 with 74 strokes. The senior men’s Trophy went to Joseph Tairo handicap 13 with 73 strokes, second place going to former general MirishoSarakikya handicap 19 hitting 73 strokes also, meanwhile Edmund Mndolwa handicap 9 hit 74 strokes ultimately finishing in third spot.Pricilla Karobia handicap 17 won the women’s senior trophy having 82 stokes and Lina Nkya handicap 15 finished in second place after managing 88 strokes.
On the Women’s Trophy, Tayana William handicap 24 emerged victorious with 72 strokes, followed by Vailet Peter handicap 13 with 74 strokes claiming second spot and Vicky Elias handicap 13 finishing third with 76 strokes.
Other than the amateur players, the tournament also had professional players taking part in it. George Leverian amassed 75 strokes and emerged the winner in a group of 18 professional golf players. The second and third spots were claimed by MbwanaJuma and NuruMollel who had 76 and 77 strokes respectively.
The founder of the tournament, retired General George Waitara took the opportunity to thank all participants on their commitment to value and honor the tournament and thus wishing them their continued participation in the future.Waitara in his speech also thanked the sponsoring company, Serengeti Breweries, and congratulated retired Managing Director of SBL, Mr. Steve Ganon with whom never hesitated to sponsor the tournament encouraging other stakeholder to follow in his footsteps.Meanwhile the guest of honor at the tournament, retired judge Mark Bomani challenged the stakeholders of the sport to take part in establishing more golf courses, pointing out areas like Dodoma, Mwanza and Mbeya as being potential areas where the sport can expand to.
The General George Waitara golf tournament is held every year with the aim of celebrating the contribution of the retired general towards sports in the country by pioneering the construction of the Lugalo golf course. The golf course was initiated in 2006 thanks to the great contribution by retired General George Waitara when he was still in office, his efforts being carried forward his successor at the office, General Davis Mwamunyange.
