Inside Mamdouhi’s Vodacom Corporate Masters Long Drive Magic

By Staff Writer

Winning a Longest Drive title once is a challenge. Doing it back-to-back requires another level of preparation, dedication and, perhaps, a little luck.

Ali Mamdouhi successfully defended his men’s Vodacom Corporate Masters Longest Drive title after launching an impressive 284-metre drive, while Ayne Magombe claimed the women’s crown with a 224-metre effort at TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam on September 5, 2026.

Mamdouhi’s victory came against a strong field that included Joohak Yeon, who topped the men’s qualifying round with a 258-metre drive, as well as Peter Fiwa, Stephen Chuwalo, David Mzirayi and Ernest Sengeu.

In the women’s competition, Magombe led from qualifying and went on to claim the title with her 224-metre drive after no other competitor managed to surpass her distance.

Mamdouhi’s triumph at the 2026 Vodacom Corporate Masters marked his second consecutive Longest Drive victory. His success earned him a return air ticket to Mauritius courtesy of Kenya Airways.

Asked about the secret behind his repeated success, Mamdouhi credited preparation, dedication and favourable conditions, while acknowledging that luck also played a role.

“I honestly think I’ve been pretty fortunate over the last three years to repeat this,” he said.

The champion explained that the conditions on the day forced him to adjust his usual approach, particularly because of the wind.

“Today, the wind was in our favour a little bit, so I had to hit a lower ball flight, and normally that’s not really my forte. So, I got pretty lucky to be able to hit the longest drive,” he said.

But beyond natural power, Mamdouhi said success in the Longest Drive competition requires significant preparation and a deep commitment to the game.

“There’s a little bit of preparation involved. There’s a little bit of obsession involved with golf, to be honest with you, and there’s a little bit of skill involved, obviously, as well,” he said.

He also paid tribute to his fellow competitors, describing them as talented players who made the contest highly competitive.

“My competitors are good players. I know all the guys who were up there with high scores and long drives, and they’re good people and great players. So I appreciate the fact that I was able to beat them and win,” he said.

Mamdouhi also expressed his gratitude to the organisers and sponsors, particularly Vodacom and Kenya Airways, for the prize package that will give him the opportunity to enjoy a golf trip to Mauritius.

“I really want to thank the organisers of the Vodacom Masters, Vodacom obviously, and Kenya Airways for this prize. It’s very generous, and hopefully I can play some golf in Mauritius,” he said.