More than 150 golfers from clubs across Tanzania are expected to compete in the Equity Waitara Trophy 2026 at Lugalo Golf Club on September 19.
The tournament, which is being sponsored by Equity Bank, will bring together players in various categories, including Division A, B and C, Seniors, Veterans, Juniors and women.
Lugalo Golf Club Manager, Colonel David Mziray, said the tournament was particularly significant because it honours Waitara, a former Chief of Defence Forces and one of the founders of the club.
“We are officially announcing the Equity Waitara Trophy 2026. It is an important tournament for our club because Waitara was a former Chief of Defence Forces and one of the founders of Lugalo Golf Club,” Colonel Mziray said.
He said the event was expected to attract golfers from several clubs across the country, providing an opportunity for players to compete and interact.
Lugalo Golf Club Administration Officer, Major Chediel Msechu, urged golfers to register early to help organisers plan for the expected turnout.
Clubs expected to participate include Dar es Salaam Gymkhana, TPC Moshi, Arusha Gymkhana, Morogoro Gymkhana, Kilimanjaro Golf Club, Mufindi Golf Club, Moshi Golf Club and clubs from Zanzibar.
Registration will continue ahead of the tournament, with organisers using golfers’ WhatsApp groups and other club communication channels to share registration information.
“We urge golfers to register early so that we can establish the final number of participants. We expect more than 150 golfers, while various prizes will be awarded to winners with support from Equity Bank,” Major Msechu said.
The competition will be played under the Net Score format, where a player’s total strokes are recorded before the applicable handicap is deducted to determine the final score.
Organisers have also made arrangements for junior golfers. However, the children’s competition will be held on a separate day to avoid congestion, given the large number of participants expected on September 19.
“For the younger children, we have decided that they will play on a different day because we expect a large number of golfers on September 19. However, special prizes have been set aside for them by Equity Bank,” Major Msechu said.
He said preparations for the tournament had already begun, including improvements to different sections of the course to ensure it was ready to host the competition.
Equity Bank Head of Marketing, Shumbana James, said the bank’s sponsorship reflected its interest in supporting the development of golf in Tanzania.
She said the partnership would also provide an opportunity to bring together golfers and other stakeholders while creating a platform for engagement around the sport.
“Through the Equity Waitara Trophy 2026, we are bringing together golf, lifestyle and opportunities. Our aim is to contribute to the development of the sport and ensure the tournament benefits participants and other stakeholders,” Ms James said.