Wanyeche takes early lead at Reliance Insurance Arusha Open 2026

ARUSHA – TPDF Lugalo Golf Club's Enosh Wanyeche carded a one-under-par 71 to take the first-round lead of the Reliance Insurance Arusha Open 2026, which teed off at the par-72 Arusha Gymkhana Club course on Friday.

Wanyeche's steady round, highlighted by four birdies and three bogeys, earned him a three-shot advantage over home club golfer and defending champion Jay Nathwani, who sits second on two-over-par 74 after the opening round of the 54-hole championship.

Despite topping the leaderboard, Wanyeche admitted he was not entirely satisfied with his performance, saying missed opportunities on the greens prevented him from posting an even lower score.

"I was calm and happy with my game, but my putting let me down. I three-putted on five holes where I had good birdie chances and couldn't make the most of them," Wanyeche told Royal Golf.

The in-form golfer said he headed straight to the practice green after completing his round to sharpen his putting ahead of the remaining two rounds.

"I went straight into putting practice with the coaches because I want to correct those mistakes. I know I can play much better over the next two rounds," he said.

Christopher Botha of Arusha Gymkhana Club occupies third place on five-over-par 77, while TPDF Lugalo's Isiaka Dunia and home golfers Kush Lodhia and Luv Lodhia share fourth place on six-over-par 78.

Obadia Ayo is seventh on 79, Simon Travers follows on 80, Jaques Botha is ninth on 81, while Victor Joseph of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club and Garv Chadha are tied for 10th after returning rounds of 82.

Arusha Gymkhana Club Vice-Captain Hiten Nathwani said the tournament had started on a high note, attracting top amateur golfers from across the country.

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

LEADERBOARD:
1. Enoshi WANYECHE 71 
2. Jay NATHWANI 74
3. Christopher BOTHA 77
4. Isiaka DUNIA 78
    Kush LODHIA 78
    Luv LODHIA 78
7. Somon TRAVERS 80
8. Botha JAQUES 81
9. Victor JOSEPH 82
 Garv CHADHA

*LEADERBOARD (MAIN EVENT)*

https://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/tour/?language=2057#/competition/5748548/leaderboard

*LEADERBOARD (SUBSIDIARY)*

https://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/tour/?language=2057#/competition/5749834/leaderboard