Kenya’s elite lady golfer Mercy Nyanchama claimed her first international victory in stunning fashion on Sunday at the 2024 Tanzania Ladies Open.
The three-day tournament was played at the par-72 Arusha Gymkhana Golf Club.
Nyanchama outplayed a competitive field of 35 elite golfers from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, demonstrating exceptional poise and skill over the three rounds of the tournament.
She carded consistent rounds of 79, 77, and 77, finishing with a total of 233, 17 over par.
“I am very excited to win this year’s Tanzania Ladies Open. The course was a bit tough because it was dry, but I managed to play well,” Nyanchama told Golf Score Kenya.
Her impressive performance saw her edge out Tanzania’s seasoned golfer Madina Iddy by just two strokes.
Iddy, the runner-up, came in with a total of 235.
Having recently won the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open, she put up a valiant effort but ultimately couldn’t close the gap on Nyanchama.
Hawa Wanyeche from TPDF Lugalo Golf Club took third place with a total score of 241, while Neema Olomi from the host club, Arusha Gymkhana, finished fourth with 248.
Vicky Elias rounded out the top five with a score of 259.
Kenya’s junior sensation, 15-year-old Bianca Ngecu, made waves by finishing in seventh place.
Competing against some of the region’s most experienced golfers, her performance was nothing short of remarkable.
“”I’m so incredibly grateful to have competed in the Tanzania Ladies Open 2024. I had a great time on this difficult golf course, and I’m thankful for a top-10 finish and winning the longest drive,” Ngecu said.