140 pros, elite golfers set to compete in Dar’s Lina PG Tour

Dar es Salaam. Over 140 golfers are gearing up for the fifth edition of the Lina PG Tour scheduled to tee off on the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club golf course from December 19 to 22.

Event coordinator Yasmin Chali confirmed that 60 participants will be professional and elite amateur golfers.

"For pros and elite amateurs, there will be a cut after two days, where 12 golfers from each category will qualify for the final round," Yasmin explained.

She added that other divisions, including Divisions A, Division B, Senior, Junior, and Ladies, will also face cuts after two days of competition.

She said from these divisions, 54 golfers will advance to the final rounds, ensuring a high level of competition across all categories.

 Yasmin stressed that the registration window for golfers has officially closed, with the confirmed number of participants setting a record for the tournament.

"We are thrilled by the overwhelming response. Despite this being the holiday season, many have chosen to participate in the event rather than take a break, and we are truly impressed by this commitment," she said.

The Lina PG Tour serves as both a competition and a tribute to the late Lina Nkya, who was a driving force in promoting women’s golf to the international stage. Lina, often referred to as the "Mother Golfer," left a lasting legacy in Tanzanian golf.

She passed away on January 19, 2021, but her contributions continue to inspire the sport.

Nkya is remembered for her transformative role in Tanzanian golf, particularly through her efforts to elevate the Kobe Golf Tournament into a nationally recognised event over 11 years.

She also pioneered the inclusion of caddies as players, expanding opportunities for participation in the sport.

The Lina PG Tour is organized by the Said Nkya family in collaboration with the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), the Tanzania Professional Golfers Association (TPGA), and Penda Golf Tanzania.

This 72-hole stroke play tournament is exclusively open to Tanzanian professionals and amateur golfers, ensuring that local talent has a platform to showcase and enhance their skills.

In addition to commemorating Lina Nkya’s contributions, the tournament aims to further the development of professional and amateur golfers in Tanzania.

By fostering competitive standards, the event seeks to inspire excellence and sustain the growth of golf in the country.

The four-day event is anticipated to attract widespread attention from the golfing community, celebrating both the legacy of Lina Nkya and the spirit of Tanzanian golf.

The tournament promises not only to honour the past but also to pave the way for future achievements in the sport.