Lady players will only have a chance again to triumph at the Stanbic Entebbe Match-Play Golf Challenge next year after the last standing female pairing of this year’s edition was ejected on Saturday.
Mother Edrae Kagombe and daughter Evelyne Atukunda were relegated to consolation hugs and talk after their journey in the road to Dubai ended at the hands of Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne.
Pulle and Monne powered to victory in commanding style, winning the quarterfinal contest 5and4 (5-up with four holes to spare) for the best result of the day at the par-71 course.
‘The round was great. We started off well and kept the momentum,’ handicap 17 player Monne said. His partner Pulle, at 15, was the back marker for the round.
Both Kagombe and Atukunda were registered at handicap 17 each. Monne is one of the most affable individuals at the Entebbe Club clubhouse.
‘I love the banter, the camaraderie, I have served in committee capacities and I am friendly,’ he said during the interview.
Inevitably, selection for a partner to compete in the Match-Play Championship only required a few more extras for Monne.
‘We (with Pulle) have been golfing together for about a year. His times are quite flexible with mine, we have a small group we golf with,’ said the man who has been a member at Entebbe for 15 years.
On Saturday, the experience came to count. Together with Pulle, they were 4-up after the first five holes, the ladies only taking par-4 Hole No.4 the entire round.
Monne and Pulle went 5-up after the ascending short par-3 Hole No.6 and whereas the pairings halved ensuing three holes, the writing on the wall was clear.
‘We prepared well, and we complemented each other with my partner. That our target (semis), we have and we want to exceed it now. Dubai is the target,’ added Monne.
Monne and Pulle will meet Vincent Katutsi and Sam Kacungira in the semifinals next month and the latter pair here, eliminated 2025 runners-up Henry Nsubuga and Picole Lukyamuzi 2-up at the par-3 Hole No.16.
‘Every team that has reached this stage deserves to be here,’ said Katutsi. ‘We appreciate Stanbic Bank and Entebbe Golf Club for creating such an excellent platform that continues to develop the game.’
Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi set up a semifinal date against Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami after beating Bob Drani and Geoffrey Byamugisha 4and3 at the par-5 15th green.
‘Geoffrey and I gave everything we had, but match-play golf can be decided by a few critical moments,’ Drani graciously said after the defeat.
‘Our opponents capitalized on their opportunities around the 15th hole and took control of the match,’ he added.
Kisadha and Mwami went past Stephen P. Ojambo and Herbert Kamuntu 4and2.
ENTEBBE STANBIC MATCH-PLAY CHALLENGE
MATCH-PLAY RESULTS
Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne bt. Edrae Kagombe and Evelyne Atukunda 5and4
Vincent Katutsi and Sam Kacungira bt. Henry Nsubuga and Picole Lukyamuzi 2-Up
Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami bt. Stephen P. Ojambo and Herbert Kamuntu 4and2
Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi bt. Bob Drani and Geoffrey Byamugisha 4and3
SEMIFINAL LINE-UP – JULY 11
Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne vs. Vincent Katutsi and Sam Kacungira
Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami vs. Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi
GROUP WINNERS – MEN
GROUP A
Winner: Ali Juuko 37 points
Runner-Up: Peter Magona 36 pts
GROUP B
Winner: Samson Agamile 39 pts (c/b)
Runner-Up: Peter Wakholi 39 pts (c/b)
GROUP C
Winner: Arnold Katwesigye 40 pts
Runner-Up: Adrian Bukenya 39 pts
GROUP WINNERS – LADIES
GROUP A
Winner: Anne Abeja 38 pts
Runner Up: Ruth Akello 37 pts
GROUP B
Winner: Maxi Byenkya 36 pts (c/b)
Runner-Up: Patience Natukunda 36 pts
NEAREST TO THE PIN
M: Bannet Akampa
L: Anne Abeja
LONGEST DRIVE
M: Serwano Walusimbi
L: Peace Kabasweka
CAST OF EBB MATCH-PLAY CHALLENGE WINNERS
2025: Steven Kitamirike and Charles Kabunga
2024: Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo
2023: Richard Mucunguzi and Saidi Kirarira
2022: Patrick Ndase and Philemon Akatuhurira
2021: Not Completed (Covid-19)
2020: Innocent Nahabwe and Luwum Adoch
2019: Richard Lutwama and Robert Busingye
2018: Sheila Kesiime and Peace Kabasweka
2017: Isaac Mariera and John Muchiri