Wanyeche Crowned Southern Highlands Open Golf Champion
By Staff Writer
Like sister, like brother — the Wanyeche family continues to make its mark on Tanzanian golf.
Just one week after his sister, Hawa Wanyeche, was crowned champion of the 2026 Uganda Ladies Golf Open in Kampala, Uganda, Enosh Wanyeche followed in her footsteps by winning the 2026 Southern Highlands Open Golf Tournament in Mufindi.
Enosh secured the title after three days of competition over 54 holes, finishing on +12 with a total score of 225, while also earning important World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
The victory marks Enosh's first tournament win of 2026. Earlier this year, he had recorded finishes of second, third and fourth.
“First of all, I thank God for giving me good health, strength and the ability to compete throughout all three days and, finally, to achieve this victory,” Enosh said.
Enosh's latest triumph comes after a valuable lesson at the Arusha Open, where he held the first-round lead before slipping down the leaderboard over the final two rounds, allowing defending champion Jay Nathwani to retain his title.
Rather than allowing the disappointment to affect him, Enosh went straight back to practice.
His determination has now paid off.
The Southern Highlands Open victory is a reward for his persistence, discipline and commitment to improving his game.
Enosh expressed his sincere appreciation to Mufindi Golf Club, the tournament organisers, officials and Chief Guest Eliufoo Nyambi, Assistant Director of Sports Development at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, for providing players with the opportunity and a conducive environment to compete.
He also thanked all the sponsors who made the tournament possible and continue to support golf and its players.
“Without your support, tournaments like this would not achieve this level of success. Thank you for continuing to believe in the game of golf and supporting the players.”
Enosh gave special recognition to Dr. Yonah Gandye, who encouraged him to take part in the tournament and hosted him during the event.
“My brother, thank you so much for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. This victory is also a part of you.”
He also acknowledged his teachers and coaches, particularly his brother professional golfer Isaac Wanyeche and Carl Kok for their guidance, training and continued support.
A special thank-you went to his caddy, Ayoub, for being alongside him throughout the tournament and helping him make the right decisions on the course.
“Thank you for your hard work and patience.”
Enosh also praised his fellow competitors — Victor Joseph, Bashiru Mtweve and Aldo Gandye — for what he described as a strong and enjoyable competition.
“Our competition has pushed all of us to become better players.”
The Southern Highlands Open ran from August 21–23, 2026, with the tournament played over 54 holes and attracting leading amateur golfers from across Tanzania.
The 2026 edition was made possible through the generous support of Mufindi Wood Poles Plant & Timber, S7 Construction, METL Group, Kokomoyo, Runvesco Aluminium, Browns Plantations, Chinatown Supermarket and Mweme Company.
Final leaderboard
Position Player Score Total
1 Enoshi Wanyeche +12 225
2 Michael Mtweve +19 232
3 Aldo Gandye +20 233
4 Bashiru Mtweve +22 235
5 Victor Joseph +23 236
6 Ramadhan Yassin +26 239
7 Vicky Elias +34 247
8 Steven King'ung'alo +36 249
9 Claudy Mtavangu +37 250
10 Yonah Gandye +37 250
11 Meshack Ngongolo +39 252
12 Frank Ngulo +43 256
13 Davis Ngololo +45 258
14 Patrick Msokele +47 260
15 Henrick Nyenza +51 264