Juma Sets the Pace with Stunning 69 at Tanzania Junior Open
MOROGORO, Saturday
Ibrahim Juma of TPDF Lugalo made a strong start to the Tanzania Junior Golf Open at Morogoro Gymkhana Club on Saturday, carding a 69 gross to take the early lead in the Under-18 Boys category after the opening round.
Juma produced a composed round of 34 on the front nine and 35 on the back nine, finishing five shots ahead of his nearest challenger, Auni Jaffari of TPC, who returned a 75.
Hamidu Hassan, also representing TPDF Lugalo, was third in the U18 Boys standings on 76 gross, while Julius James followed on 78.
Juma's 69 was also the lowest gross score of the opening round across the tournament, setting an early benchmark as the junior golfers look to build momentum through the competition.
The opening round also produced an impressive performance from Erick Paschal of Morogoro Gymkhana Club, who carded 79 gross in the Under-15 Boys category.
His handicap-adjusted score of 64 was among the best net performances of the day.
Paschal leads the early standings ahead of fellow MGC player Mohamed Yusuph, who shot 80 gross, while Ramadhani Omary returned 81.
The younger age groups also produced competitive opening rounds. Ibrahimu Sumanne of TPC led the Under-12 Boys after recording 81 gross, followed by Baraka Benson on 94 and Gift Amos on 100.
In the girls' competition, Theresia James of TPDF Lugalo posted 96 gross to lead the Under-18 Girls after round one. Lissa Hawad, also of TPDF Lugalo, was second on 120.
The Under-15 Girls category saw Christina Eliud of TPDF Lugalo lead after a round of 107, while Carmela Claudio Kisanko of DGC posted 128.
In the Under-12 Girls, Vicky Li of DGC leads on 113, ahead of Kili Golf's Anjella E Nmko on 127.
With players representing TPDF Lugalo, TPC, Morogoro Gymkhana Club, Mufindi, DGC and Kili Golf, the opening round highlighted the depth of junior talent on display at the Morogoro event.
Round One Leaders
U18 Boys Gross:
Ibrahim Juma — TPDF Lugalo — 69
U18 Girls Gross:
Theresia James — TPDF Lugalo — 96
U15 Boys Gross: Erick Paschal — Morogoro Gymkhana Club — 79
U15 Girls Gross: Christina Eliud — TPDF Lugalo — 107
U12 Boys Gross: Ibrahimu Sumanne — TPC — 81
U12 Girls Gross: Vicky Li — DGC — 113
