Mollel-Nkya rivalry deepens at Lina Pro-Am Tour in Moshi

Dar es Salaam. Arusha Gymkhana golfer Nuru Mollel emerged as the winner of the inaugural edition of the Lina Pro-Am Tour title at the TPC Club golf course in Moshi.

It was no easy feat for Mollel to secure the victory, given the close competition from another prominent professional golfer in the country, Fadhil Nkya of the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club.

Both golfers recorded 281 strokes each in the exciting event. Mollel recorded 68, 71, 71, and 71 strokes, while Nkya scored 68, 72, 71, and 70 strokes in the event organised to honour the late Lina Nkya, also known as Mother Golfer, who passed away on January 19, 2021, in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

Mollel and Nkya had to play an extra hole, known as “Sudden Death,” to determine the winner. The golfers had to play on hole number 18, and Mollel emerged victorious by scoring a birdie.

Mollel said, “It was not easy as each golfer targeted the top prize. I had to be very focused throughout to attain the top honors. Thanks to the organisers for putting together such a fantastic event, and I believe we will attain the highest standard after its completion.”

Mollel received sh6.8 million for clinching the first position, while Nkya pocketed sh4.3 million for finishing second. The third-place prize was won by Abdallah Yusuph from Lugalo Golf Club, who took home Sh3.4 million. Yusuph scored 79, 72, 73, and 72, totaling 296 strokes over the four-day event.

In fourth place was Frank Mwinuka (Lugalo) with scores of 81, 75, 72, and 70, also totaling 296 strokes, earning him sh2.7 million. Rounding out the top five was Hassan Kadio of Dar Gymkhana, who scored 71, 76, 79, and 75, totaling 301 strokes, and was awarded sh1.2 million.

In the elite amateur category, Ally Isanzu of TPC claimed the top prize by recording 71, 73, 74, and 75, totaling 293 strokes, to take home Sh2.2 million.

Another TPC golfer, George Sembi, finished in second place with 79, 75, 74, and 74, totaling 302 strokes, earning him sh1.3 million. Renowned golfer Isiaka Daudi of Lugalo Golf Club finished third on countback, recording 73, 78, 81, and 72, totaling 304 strokes.

Daudi tied with Ibrahim Gabriel of TPC Golf Club, who scored 77, 72, 75, and 80, also totaling 304 strokes. They were awarded Sh900,000 and Sh700,000, respectively.

Notable Dar es Salaam Gymkhana golfer Victor Joseph claimed fifth place with 306 strokes. Joseph’s scored 83, 72, 76, and 75, winning on countback against Elisha Fadhil of TPC Golf Club, who recorded 74, 79, 77, and 76 strokes.

The second event is scheduled to tee off from April 11 to 14 at the Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club, with the third event planned for the Arusha Gymkhana Club court from July 11 to 14.

The schedule indicates that the fourth event will tee off at the Moshi Club Golf Course from September 26 to 29, and the grand finale is scheduled to take place at the Dar es Salaam Golf Course from November 1 to 17.

Apart from commemorating the late Lina Said Nkya, the tournament also aims at sharpening skills and attaining the highest standard for both professional and amateur golfers in the country.