Shemndolwa, Ondari Strike Gold at 2026 Vodacom Corporate Masters
By Staff Writer
Khalid Shemndolwa and Yvonne Ondari emerged as the overall men’s and ladies’ champions respectively at the Vodacom Corporate Masters Golf Tournament, held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam.
Shemndolwa secured the men’s overall title with an impressive 42 Stableford points, while Ondari matched the score to clinch the ladies’ crown, with both emerging at the top of a field of more than 150 participants.
The tournament brought together golfers from Tanzania’s corporate community for a day of competitive action, networking and entertainment.
Prizes were awarded across several categories, with Kenya Airways (KQ) tickets presented to the overall winners and the Corporate Longest Drive champions.
Ali Mamdouhi successfully retained the men’s Corporate Masters Longest Drive title after recording a distance of 284 metres, while Ayne Magombe won the ladies’ category with a drive of 224 metres.
In the men’s Division A, Godfrey Abel topped the standings with 42 points, followed by Likuli Juma on 41.
Sigfrid Urassa won Division B with 40 points, while Senior golfer Godfrey Kilenga, who also carded 40 points, finished second on countback to win his first 2026 prize.
In Division C, Boniface Japhet took first place with 39 points, followed by Abdallah Singano on 37.
In the ladies’ category, Neema Job emerged victorious with 42 points, while Leticia Kapalia finished second with 40 points.
The Corporate Team competition was won by Kenya Airways.
In the tournament’s general Longest Drive, Michael Norbert claimed the men’s prize, with Leticia Kapalia taking the ladies’ award.
Harshid Barmeda won the men’s Nearest to the Pin prize, while Vaileth James claimed the ladies’ award.
Speaking after the tournament, Vodacom Tanzania Business Director Nguvu Kamando, whose company was the main sponsor, congratulated the winners and all participants.
“Long day but our heat fealty, very good day, full joy, fun and enjoyment. Congratulations to winners. The rest go to the range, practice and become better for the coming event,” Kamando said.
Representing Lugalo Golf Club, Schedule Msechu commended the organisers for staging what he described as a wonderful event and encouraged participants to make Lugalo their home for future tournaments.
“The tournament went really well. I want to welcome you again and make the tournament as Lugalo home. You’re welcome to organise here every year,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the organising team, Chairman Ken Mbaya, who was unable to attend due to other duties at the Tanzania Junior Open in Morogoro, was represented by Maryanne Mugo.
Mugo thanked Vodacom, the other sponsors, Lugalo Golf Club and all participants for their contribution to the tournament’s success.
“We thank the management of Lugalo for giving us the course and support to make the tournament a success,” she said.
Sh1 Million Donation to Junior Golf
As part of the tournament’s contribution to golf development, the organisers donated Sh1 million to the Lugalo Junior Golf Development Programme.
The donation underscored the organisers’ commitment to nurturing young talent, supporting the development of junior golfers and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
