Tanzanian golfers start silverware hunt at Dubai Tour tourney

Dar es Salaam. Prominent Tanzanian golfers Isiaka Mtubwi, Nuru Mollel, and Fadhyl Nkya today begin their quest for the prestigious UAE Championship, also known as the Clutch Tour Tier 1 Tournament.

The golfers earned their spots in the Clutch Tour Tournament through exceptional performances in the Lina PG Tour 2024 Order of Merit.

Mtubwi, an elite amateur, will be the first to tee off at 5.30pm East Africa Time. His group will include fellow amateurs Emanuele Galeppini and Mathias Bottern.

In addition to Mtubwi, Tanzania’s professional golfer Nuru Mollel will tee off at 12.20pm, alongside elite amateur Alayna Rafique and Mikhail Pinto.

The draw also shows that another prominent golfer, Fadhyl Nkya, will begin his round at 12.30pm East Africa Time, playing alongside elite amateurs Toby Shirvell and Max Cashmore in the 54-hole stroke play tournament.

Lina PG Tour Director Yasmin Challi expressed her confidence in the team, noting that the players have already had a solid training session at the course and are in high spirits ahead of the tournament.

“All golfers are in top spirits and are focused. We are confident they will give their best,” said Challi.

Challi, who has been a driving force behind the golfers' participation, stressed that this tournament is part of the larger ‘Journey to Dubai’ initiative. 

She said the goal of the initiative is to expose Tanzanian professionals and elite amateurs to international-level competition, preparing them for future success on the global golf circuit.

 “This is a massive opportunity for our golfers to showcase their talent on a global stage. Competing in this kind of event not only builds their confidence but also opens doors for future international tournaments,” she said.

The tournament, which features top amateur and professional golfers from around the world, will be played over three rounds. After the first two rounds, a cut will be made, with only the top 50 players and ties advancing to the final round.

The intense competition will undoubtedly provide a platform for Tanzania’s golfers to demonstrate their abilities and fight for a piece of the £50,000 prize pool, as well as crucial world ranking points.

She explained that the exposure that the golfers will receive at the Clutch Tour could be pivotal in shaping their careers, helping them achieve the experience and recognition they need to take the next step in their golfing journey.

According to Challi, beyond the competition itself, the UAE Championship carries significant weight in terms of world rankings. “Professional golfers will earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, while amateurs like Mtubwi will accumulate World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

These ranking points are crucial for golfers looking to break into higher levels of competition, including major international tournaments and tours,” she said.