The Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) has announced that professional golfers who survive the cut at this month's Vodacom Tanzania Open will share Sh40 million. The tournament, set to take place at Kili Golf Club in Arusha from October 22 to 25, is expected to attract around 200 golfers from Tanzania, Kenya, and other countries. This year's prize money for professionals making the cut represents an increase from the previous edition.
The tournament will feature professional and elite amateur categories competing over 72 holes from October 22 to 25. Other categories, including men, ladies, juniors, and seniors, will compete over 36 holes on October 24 and 25. According to TGU chairman Gilman Kasiga, the cut is a crucial stage of the championship as it determines which professionals will continue competing for the top honors and prize money.
The latest edition of the Vodacom Tanzania Open is expected to feature some of Tanzania's leading professionals and elite amateurs, including Nuru Mollel, Fadhyl Nkya, and Isiaka Dunia. Defending champion Njoroge Kibugu of Kenya is also set to return, seeking to retain the title he won at the same venue last year. The tournament has become an important platform for Tanzanian golfers to compete against established players from the region.
The 2025 edition of the tournament, also held at Kili Golf, attracted over 150 golfers from eight African countries, with Kenya's Njoroge Kibugu winning the men's professional title and Tanzania's Madina Idd taking the women's crown. The professional winner received Sh8.2 million from a total prize purse of Sh35 million. This year's Sh40 million allocation for professionals making the cut represents an increased financial opportunity for players.
Kasiga has emphasized that tournaments like the Vodacom Tanzania Open are crucial not only for competition but also for developing local talent and exposing Tanzanian golfers to international standards. The TGU has linked the growth of competitive golf with opportunities for Tanzanian players to gain international recognition. Previous Vodacom-supported events have contributed to Tanzanian golfers earning World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
The tournament will build on Vodacom Tanzania's continued involvement in golf development, having sponsored the Tanzania Open for the third consecutive year. The TGU has described the partnership as important to the growth and visibility of the sport in the country. With the Sh40 million cut allocation adding financial motivation, attention will now turn to which professionals can negotiate the opening rounds and survive the cut.
The Vodacom Tanzania Open is expected to provide a significant opportunity for Tanzanian golfers to compete against established players from the region while gaining exposure to higher standards of professional golf. The tournament's growth has contributed to the development of local talent, and the TGU is optimistic about the future of golf in Tanzania. The event will take place at Kili Golf Club in Arusha from October 22 to 25.
Key points
- The Vodacom Tanzania Open is set to take place at Kili Golf Club in Arusha from October 22 to 25.
- Professional golfers who survive the cut will share Sh40 million in prize money.
- The tournament has become an important platform for Tanzanian golfers to compete against established players from the region.
