The Captain of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club, Major Japhet Masai, has commended the successful organization of the 2025 Lina PG Tour, held for the first time at the Lugalo Golf Course in Dar es Salaam.
The tournament, which ran from July 17 to 20, was organized in memory of the late Lina Nkya, a distinguished member of Tanzania’s national women’s golf team.
It attracted more than 150 participants from across the country, including 68 professional and elite golfers, as well as 82 amateur players.
Major Masai, speaking during the closing ceremony, praised the professionalism shown by the organizers and highlighted the significance of such tournaments in nurturing talent and strengthening national unity within the sport.
He called on players to maintain the spirit of love and solidarity to ensure the continued growth and development of golf in Tanzania.
Said Nkya, chairman of the organizing committee and a representative of the Nkya family, explained that while the event was primarily targeted at professionals and elite players, amateur participants were included to promote grassroots talent and expose emerging players to competitive play.
The tournament concluded with several standout performances across different categories. In the professional division, Fadhil Nkya claimed the top spot with a prize of TSh 6.8 million, followed by Abdallah Yusuph who received TSh 4.3 million, and Nuru Mollel in third place with TSh 3.4 million.
In the elite amateur category, Prosper Emmanuel emerged the winner with TSh 2.2 million, while Julius Mwinzani and Gabriel Abel tied for second place, each earning TSh 1.1 million.
In the guest category, Ally Mwinyi was named the overall winner, with Maryanne Mugo finishing second.
Abid Omari was recognized as the best overall male player, while Amina Nkungu took the honor among female participants.
In Division A (men), Nicholas Chitanda finished first, followed by Sigfrid Urassa, while Division B was won by Shukuru Sanga with Kennedy Kajuna in second.
Among the women, Zumla Khamis led the Silver Division, with Habiba Likuli and Joyce Warega taking second and third places respectively.
In the Bronze Division, Anita Siwale emerged victorious, followed by Zainab Bachoo and Doreen Minnah.
Veteran player Gulam Dewji won the senior category, while in the juniors’ division, Ibrahim Hassan won the boys' category and Loyce Emilio topped the girls'.
In the newcomers' category for women, Mariam Rashid took first place, with Sandra Kiunsi in second. Special prizes were also awarded, including Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive.
In the men’s category, Femin Mabachi and Brian Mbesere won Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive respectively, while in the women’s category, Zumla Khamis and Jazilla Daniel received the same honors.
Hawa Wanyeche was recognized as the best upcoming female player, and a special group award was given to the team led by retired Chief of Defence Forces, General George Waitara.
The success of the Lina PG Tour has set a new standard for local golf tournaments and reaffirmed the importance of honoring sports legends while fostering young talent.
Organizers and participants alike expressed hope that the momentum from this event will lead to more high-quality tournaments and greater participation in golf nationwide.