Every early December, the Uganda Seniors Open has become a permanent fixture on the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) calendar.
The championship, always staged at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kitante is back and the players aged 55 and above will compete in the gross category over 36 holes this weekend.
This year’s edition, which tees-off on Saturday, is a unique one as it will be the 10th edition. ‘The game of golf has really evolved,’ stated Uganda Seniors Golf Society (USGS) chairman David Balaka.
‘Back in the days, people used to think it was a game of elderly people but with time, the young people have picked interest and taken over this game,’ he said while flanked by vice chairperson Ruth Ssali and committee member John Muchiri present.
‘To encourage the elderly to continue playing at a competitive level, it is why this association was born,’ he explained. USGS now brings together close to more than 200 golfers around the country.
The Seniors Open is the ultimate piece of silverware and USGS has stuck together with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) for all editions.
UCAA deputy director general Olive Birungi Lumonya’s putt at UGC’s par-4 Hole No.18 green officially got the event launched at the beginning of the week.
‘We consider golfers as a critical stakeholder in the work we do. This partnership has reached 10 years,’ said Birungi before announcing a Shs15m sponsorship. ‘This (event) has become one of the Authority’s major activities as we celebrate the Civil Aviation Week (December 1-7).’
‘We believe that games like golf can be actively played by seniors, they come in handy in keeping healthy. Golfers are known to be frequent fliers,’ she added before announcing that UCAA will open its new terminal at Entebbe International Airport projected to take on 3.5 million passengers annually.
A field of more than 120 players will compete at this showpiece with sponsors Crown Beverages offering 1800 bottles of soft drinks to players, according to Pepsi brand manager Sandra Againe.
Golf kit firm Pro Golf Master led by Abbey Bagalana has offered the trophy and silverware package for the championship.
‘I am delighted to be a part of a major tournament like this and it is a critical step in our growth as a brand in golf in Uganda and Africa,’ said the professional player Bagalana.
Of the expected field, UCAA will field a team of seven players comprising single-handicappers like Michael Tumusiime, Joseph Adrapi and Paul Kalemba as well as Marvin Kagoro, Collins Aritua and Sheila Ajok.
‘CAA has a formidable team which can play the Ryder Cup format with any organization,’ said Adrapi.
John Katto and Jeniffer Opio were the best players at last year’s edition.
2024 UGANDA SENIORS OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Overall Winner Nett (M): John Katto 141 nett
Overall Winner Nett (L): Jeniffer Opio 141 nett
Gross Winner (M): John Muchiri 161 gross
Gross Winner (L): Gertrude Acato 176 gross
Professionals Winner: Ronald Otile 282 (-6)
SENIORS CATEGORIES – MEN
PLATINUM 80+ YRS
Winner: Arthur Gakwandi 145 nett
GOLD 75-79 YRS
Winner: Abe Luka 146 nett
Runner Up: Sam Zaramba 155 nett
SILVER 65-74YRS
Winner: Fred Kasumba 148 nett (c/b)
Runner Up: Denis Tindyebwa 148 nett
BRONZE 55-64YRS
Winner: Charles Odere 149 nett c/b
Runner Up: Moses Turyatemba 149 nett c/b
SENIORS CATEGORIES – LADIES
GOLD 65 YRS+
Winner: Ruth Ssali 152 nett
Runner Up: Gertrude Kityo 154 nett
SILVER 55-64 YRS
Winner: Edrae Kagombe 146 nett
Runner Up: Katy Kabenge 151 nett