TGU Puts Juniors at the Heart of Tanzania’s Golf Future
By Staff Writer
The Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) is prioritising junior golf development, creating pathways for young players to progress from grassroots competition to regional, continental, international and Olympic levels.
TGU Chairman Gilman Kasiga said the Union will continue working to strengthen junior golf alongside women’s golf and high-performance programmes, with the ultimate goal of producing more Tanzanian golfers capable of competing successfully on the international stage.
“The future of Tanzanian golf is bright, and it starts with our juniors,” Kasiga said.
His comments followed the successful completion of the latest Juniors Golf Tournament, which brought together young golfers from several clubs and provided them with an important platform to gain competitive experience and showcase their talent.
Kasiga congratulated the National Juniors Golf Committee, led by Chairman Kain Mbaya, as well as host Morogoro Gymkhana Club and all participating clubs for their contribution to the tournament.
He also praised the officials, organisers, volunteers, sponsors and other stakeholders whose efforts helped make the event possible, saying their continued support is critical to building a strong foundation for the future of golf in Tanzania.
“Junior golf is at the heart of our development strategy,” Kasiga said, stressing the need for a clear and sustainable pathway through which young golfers can develop their skills and progress to higher levels of competition.
He said today’s junior golfers will form the backbone of Tanzania’s future national teams and professional golf, while also providing the country with greater opportunities for representation at regional, continental, international and Olympic competitions.
Kasiga believes regular tournaments, structured coaching and greater exposure to competitive golf are essential in identifying talented players early and giving them the tools to reach their full potential.
He urged golf clubs across Tanzania to strengthen their junior programmes and create more opportunities for children and young people to discover, learn and enjoy the game.
The tournament attracted junior golfers from TPDF Lugalo Golf Club, TPC, Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club, Mufindi, Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club and Kili Golf.
In the Boys Gross competition, Julius James of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club emerged as the overall winner with a score of 151.
Ibrahim Juma finished as first runner-up on 153, while Elik Pascal of Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club took second runner-up with 154.
In the Girls Gross category, Teresia James of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club claimed the overall title with an impressive score of 141.
Christina Eliud finished second with 162, while Vicky Li of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club placed third with 165.
For Kasiga, tournaments such as this are about more than determining winners.
They provide young players with valuable competition, help coaches assess emerging talent and give juniors the confidence and experience needed to take the next step in their development.
“Tanzania has abundant golfing talent. What these young players need is the right support, guidance, coaching and opportunities to develop their potential,” he said.
Neighbouring Kenya as an example of what can happen when junior golfers are given the right support and opportunities to compete alongside and against more experienced players.
A recent example is 13-year-old Kenyan junior golfer Kanana Muthomi, who impressively won the 2026 Sterling Invitational Ladies Golf Open at Kilimanjaro Wildlife Golf Club in Arusha.
Her performance, highlights the potential that young golfers can realise when they are introduced to competitive golf early and supported through structured development programmes.
Kasiga believes Tanzania has no shortage of talented young golfers, but unlocking that potential will require stronger collaboration among the TGU, TLGU, golf clubs, coaches, sponsors, parents and other stakeholders.
“Tanzania has the talent. The challenge is to give our young golfers the environment, coaching, competition and support they need to compete with the best,” Kasiga said.
He said the TGU will continue working with clubs and other partners to expand junior golf opportunities while strengthening women’s golf and high-performance programmes.
