Tanzania's Madina wins Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open
Tanzania top golfer Madina Idd posses after winning Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open last Saturday. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Madina claimed victory at the Uganda Ladies Open, finishing with a total of 230 strokes to outperform other prominent golfers from East Africa at the Uganda Golf Club.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s top lady golfer, Madina Idd, has continued to excel on the international stage by winning her second title abroad this year.
Last Saturday, Madina claimed victory at the Uganda Ladies Open, finishing with a total of 230 strokes to outperform other prominent golfers from East Africa at the Uganda Golf Club.
In July, Madina also triumphed at the Zambia Ladies’ Amateur Open Golf Stroke Play Championship, overcoming competitors from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya and host Zambia.
She posted an aggregate score of 234 (78, 80, 76) in the challenging event.
In uganda’s event, Madina started strong with a 78 in the opening round on Friday, followed by an 80 on Saturday, which established a commanding lead heading into the final day.
The Arusha Gymkhana golfer, who finished second to Uganda’s Peace Kabasweka in the 2023 edition, improved her performance this year, scoring 78, 76, and 76 on the first, second, and third days, respectively.
Kabasweka finished second with 235 strokes (80, 78, and 77), while Uganda’s Gloria Mbaguta placed third with 237 strokes (85, 74, and 78). Madina faced strong competition from Uganda’s leading female golfers who were also eyeing the title.
“On the third day, I had to fight hard as Peace closed the gap to just two strokes at hole- number 13. She really challenged me, but I managed to regain my lead and secure the win,” Madina said via telephone.
She noted that apart from Tanzanian golfer Aalaa Riyaz Somji, who finished eighth with 248 strokes, the remaining 16 competitors were all from Uganda and played exceptionally well.
“When I saw the draw, I realized the tournament was essentially Uganda against Tanzania, which motivated me even more. I’m thrilled to win and continue to represent my country on the international stage. I appreciate all the support I received,” said Madina.
The final leaderboard showed Meron Kyomugisha in fourth place on countback with 237 strokes, while Judith Komugisha was fifth with the same score.
Martha Babirye finished sixth with 242 strokes, Harriet Kitaka seventh with 247 strokes, Aalaa Somji (Tanzania) eighth with 248 strokes, Lilian Koowe ninth with 256 strokes, and Resty Nalutaaya (Uganda) tenth with 258 strokes.
