Kenya Sweeps CEOs Golf Titles in Zanzibar
By Staff Writer
Kenyan golfers dominated the 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament winning both overall titles and leaving Tanzanian players with a challenge to bring the trophies home next year.
The annual tournament, held on Saturday, September 25, at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club in Zanzibar, brought together more than 80 golfers from Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, South Africa and Nigeria.
Thomas Mwangi claimed the overall men’s title with an impressive 40 points, while Caroline Muigai won the overall ladies’ category with 41 points in the 18-hole Stableford competition.
Speaking during the event, Vodacom Business Director Nguvu Kamando said the company was proud to support a tournament that brings together sport, business and networking.
“We are delighted to be associated with the CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament because golf is more than a game. It is a platform that brings together people, ideas and opportunities,” said Kamando.
Kamando also jokingly challenged Tanzanian golfers to ensure the overall trophies return home next year, saying the country should not allow the titles to “sleep” across the border in Kenya, as has happened in the Kilimanjaro Marathon.
The tournament was organised by the host club and combined competitive golf with business networking, while also providing an opportunity to promote Zanzibar as a tourism destination.
Kamando said international sporting events could play an important role in showcasing Zanzibar to visitors who could return to the island for leisure, business or other activities.
“We are proud to play our part in promoting Zanzibar as a destination for business, tourism and sport. Events like this generate value not only for participants but also for the wider economy,” he said.
He added: “This is a special place to be and we really enjoyed playing here. You feel so sunny, and after 10 minutes, you get a shower—you can't have this anywhere.”
Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) Chairman Gilman Kasiga praised the strong corporate support for the tournament, saying the involvement of sponsors was important to the growth of golf.
“If you look at this event, the number of sponsors involved clearly shows the growing interest from the corporate sector in golf. Their support is very important to the continued growth and development of the sport,” he said.
Sea Cliff General Manager Michael Rathgeb also thanked the teams and departments involved in organising and delivering the tournament.
“A special thanks goes to the Golf Manager, Sophie Nyanjera and the entire team for organising the tournament and looking after the golfers throughout the day,” he said.
Winners
Overall Winners
Overall Ladies: Caroline Muigai — 41 points
Overall Men: Thomas Mwangi — 40 points
Division A
Winner: Patrick O’Rourke — 35 points
Runner-up: Ernest Sengel — 31 points
Third: Placid Joseph — 31 points
Division B
Winner: Thagaran Govender — 37 points
Runner-up: Gregory Emers — 38 points
Third: Collins Chemng’orem, — 39 points
Division C
Winner: Abbas Simkoko — 40 points
Runner-up: Joseph Sayi — 37 points
Third: Stanley Katu — 36 points
Ladies
Winner: Salome Gakere — 36 points
Runner-up: Vicky Elias — 35 points
Third: Maryanne Mugo — 35 points
Other Categories
Best 1st Nine: Gregory Eayrs (right) — 22 points
Best 2nd Nine: Vicky Elias — 17 points
Nearest to Pin – Lady: Kemi Adekomi
Nearest to Pin – Man: Tom Ogenche
Longest Drive – Lady: Timea Chogo
Longest Drive – Man: Gregory Eayrs
Rathgeb expressed appreciation sponsors Vodacom Tanzania, EXIM Bank, MMI Steel Mills, AMREF Flying Doctors, Flying Doctors, United Petroleum, Tanzania Breweries, White Sands Resort and Conference Centre, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Auric Air, Kenya Airways, Villa Kiva, R.K. Sadricko, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Rupa’s Gift Centre, Zanzi Resort, Multi-Color Printers, ZMMI, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, ASKB, Esoma and Azam Marine for supporting the tournament.
The tournament also marked the first CEOs Golf Tournament under the leadership of Captain Tazio Bercelli and Club Vice-Captain Collins Chemng’orem, who thanked everyone involved for contributing to its success.
