ARUSHA OPEN 2026:  Where great swings meet great heights

By Staff Writer
THE Arusha Open 2026 is set to bring together amateur golfers from across Tanzania and beyond for an exciting weekend of competitive golf.

Hosted at the Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC), the tournament will offer players the opportunity to compete in both Gross and Nett categories while enjoying a professionally organised event and exceptional hospitality.

AGC Vice Captain Hiten Nathwani told Royal Golf that preparations for the annual national tournament, scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 July 2026, have been completed and everything is in place for a successful championship.

He said golfers with handicaps of 9 and below will compete in the 54-hole Gross Championship, which will be played over three days.

Players in all other handicap categories will participate in the 36-hole Nett Competition, to be played over two days, from 18 to 19 July.

Participation is open across several divisions, including Division B (handicaps 10–18), Division C (handicaps 19–24), Seniors (handicap capped at 24), Juniors (handicap capped at 24), and Ladies (handicap capped at 28).

Nathwani said the tournament format is designed to ensure fair competition while recognising outstanding performances across all categories.

Each participant will pay an entry fee of Tsh40,000, which covers green fees, halfway refreshments, and lunch throughout the tournament.

Registration closes on 15 July 2026, and golfers are encouraged to complete their entries before the deadline.

The Gross Championship will crown the Gross Winner, Gross Runner-Up, and Gross Second Runner-Up. Additional prizes will be awarded to the Nett Winner and Nett Runner-Up.

The Nett Competition will also recognise winners and runners-up in Divisions B and C, as well as the top-performing Ladies, Seniors, and Juniors. 

Special awards will also be presented to the Day Two and Day Three winners.

"To maintain a high standard of competition, a tournament cut will be applied after Day Two across all divisions. All rounds will be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf as approved by The R&A, ensuring a fair and professional championship for every participant," Nathwani said.

Proudly sponsored by Reliance Insurance Company (Tanzania) Ltd, the Arusha Open 2026 is supported by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Arusha Gymkhana Club, the Tanzania Golf Union, and The R&A.

The tournament continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Tanzania's premier amateur golf events, providing an outstanding platform for competition, sportsmanship, and the continued growth and promotion of golf in the country.