Nkya shines bright to claim Lina PG Tour grand finale title

Dar es Salaam. Prominent Tanzanian professional golfer Fadhyl Nkya has emerged as the winner of the fifth (final) edition of the year of the Lina PG Tour, held at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana course.

Fadhyl, who is from the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, scored +5 (293 strokes for the 72 holes) to beat both professionals and elite amateurs who competed in the event, earning Sh6.8 million in this thrilling competition.

Speaking after the victory, Fadhyl expressed his joy, saying that the win brought immense pride to his home course.

“This is a great honour. As you know, this competition brought together top professional golfers and elite amateurs from all over the country, and each one aimed to secure the top spot.

For me, this victory is highly significant. First, it is a way to honour our beloved “Mother Golfer,” Lina Nkya, who was not only a life member of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana but also a pioneer in promoting the game.

Second, it boosted my points, allowing me to secure second place in the Order of Merit standings and a chance to participate in the Dubai tournament next year,” said Fadhyl.

He noted that the competition was highly competitive and praised the Lina PG Tour for inspiring professional golfers and elite amateurs who are preparing to transition into professional golf.

“I turned professional in 2006; just imagine, it’s been a long journey. We need more players to follow this path and develop the sport.

The Lina PG Tour has played a crucial role in this effort. This year, we have had five events in the series, which engaged both professionals and elite amateurs, raising standards and offering various prizes,” Fadhyl added.

The event also saw Frank Mwinuka of Lugalo Golf Club placed second with a score of +9 (297 strokes), earning Sh4.3 million, while Isaak Wanyeche of Kili Golf Club finished third with +12 (300 strokes) and received Sh3.4 million from the organisers.

Renowned professional golfer Hassan Kadio, from the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, secured fourth place with a total score of +12 (300 strokes), earning Sh2.7 million.

Fifth place went to Nuru Mollel from Arusha Gymkhana Club, who recorded +16 (304 strokes) to take home Sh2.2 million.

In the elite amateur category, Isiaka Daudi Mtubwi emerged as the top performer with +14 (302 strokes), earning Sh2.2 million.

 Enoshi Wanyeche placed second, scoring +19 (307 strokes) to earn Sh1.3 million in the event that NCBA Bank sponsored food and beverage.

Apart from the professional and elite golfers, the event also featured divisions such as A, B, Ladies, juniors, and seniors, who competed in a 36-hole stroke play event.

The Lina PG Tour serves to commemorate the late Lina Said Nkya, who passed away on January 19, 2021.

Known as the “Mother Golfer,” Lina Nkya made a significant impact on Tanzanian golf by transforming the Kobe Golf Tournament into a nationally recognised event over 11 years and pioneering the inclusion of caddies as players.

The event was organised by the Said Nkya family in collaboration with the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), Tanzania Professional Golfers Association (TPGA), and Penda Golf Tanzania. The tournament was exclusively for Tanzanian professional and amateur golfers.