TGU unveils special golf scheme for universities

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) has officially launched its groundbreaking University Students Golf Recruitment and Development Programme, marking a significant stride toward making golf more inclusive and accessible to the youth of Tanzania.

The launch event, held on Monday at the TPDF Lugalo Golf Course in Dar es Salaam, drew over 70 enthusiastic students from various universities across the city for a vibrant “Meet and Greet” session.

The initiative aims to ignite interest in the sport among young people while nurturing a new generation of golfers, leaders, and ambassadors of the game.

This programme is a key component of TGU’s broader national vision, “Golf for All”, which focuses on breaking down social and economic barriers traditionally associated with golf.

 It is designed to introduce university students to the sport and create pathways for personal development, mentorship, leadership, networking, and even future careers in and around golf.

Among the participating institutions were the University of Dar es Salaam, Institute of Finance Management, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy.

Students were welcomed with refreshments and informational materials introducing them to the basics of golf — from rules and etiquette to expectations of the development programme.

The event featured insightful addresses from a distinguished lineup of speakers, including TGU Chairman Gilman Kasiga, Lugalo Golf Club Chairman Major General Ibrahim Mhona, and TGU Operations Manager Johnson John.

Each delivered inspiring messages urging students to see golf as more than just a sport — but as a lifelong pursuit that fosters discipline, mental resilience, and personal growth.

Major General Mhona encouraged students to embrace the life lessons golf teaches, describing it as a game that transcends age, background, and social status. 

TGU Chairman Kasiga, himself a university alumnus, shared how he never had the chance to explore golf during his student years, and urged attendees not to let this opportunity slip by. 

Emphasizing that “michezo ni ajira” (sports create employment), he highlighted golf’s potential to open doors and offer life-changing experiences.

Johnson John offered a heartfelt reflection, describing golf as a sanctuary and a metaphor for life — a game that instills patience, strategic thinking, and resilience. 

TGU Competition Secretary Ernest Sengeu further underscored the sport’s role as a social equalizer, providing students access to influential mentors and valuable professional networks.

Special guests also voiced strong support for the initiative. Fakihi Fadhili, Chairman of Kilombero Golf Club, announced future opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience at Kilombero, while Vodacom’s representative, Mr Ipyana, pledged the company’s commitment to supporting golf development through innovation and youth engagement. 

On her part, Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) President Queen Siraki emphasized the importance of inclusivity, applauding the strong female student turnout and encouraging women to take active roles in shaping the future of golf in Tanzania.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the Lugalo Golf Course, where students were introduced to the game’s technical aspects by professional coaches Daudi Helela and Athuman Chiundu. The day provided a perfect blend of inspiration, education, and experience.

In his closing remarks, Kasiga encouraged students to continue exploring the game and become active members of Tanzania’s expanding golf community.

The programme’s launch represents not only a new chapter in the development of golf in Tanzania but also a powerful tool for building leadership and opportunity through sport.