OVER 35 golfers have lined up to compete in the inaugural Tanzania Caddies Open tournament, to tee off today at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC).

The two-day 36-hole tournament was earlier planned to be held at Mufindi Club in Iringa, but was shifted to Dar es Salaam for several reasons, including weather conditions.

The Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) Chairman, Dioniz Malinzi, said all preparations are almost complete.

He said golfers from Arusha Gymkhana, Moshi, TPC and the host DGC will take part in the tough tournament.

The tournament is sponsored by Cargo Stars Ltd (CSL).

Malinzi said men caddies will compete using the gross score system, while the net formula will apply for the ladies.

He said six best caddies will represent the country in the Kenya Caddies Open slated for later this year under CSL sponsorship.

Malinzi said the tournament aims to identify new talents and also promote the game in the country.

"Promoting caddies is one of TGU priorities, as most of the national team members came through these ranks," he said.