Tusker Malt Uganda Open Golf Championship 2020 – Ladies
1. Martha Babirye – 236 Gross
2. Peace Kabasweka – 238
3. Irene Nakalembe – 244
Handicap 4 star Martha Babirye is the winner of the Ladies Title of the Tusker Malt Uganda Open Golf Championship 2020 after the first event of the tournament came to a close on Saturday at Uganda Golf Club’s (UGC) par-72 course in Kitante.
Babirye who claimed her first title last year at her home course, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo managed a total gross score of 236 (81, 77 and 78) off 54 holes to keep the ladies most adored domestic title at her grasp.
“This means a lot to me,” Babirye told the media at the 18th hole after the final round of play.
In the first two rounds, Babirye was trailing as Tooro Club’s handicap 5 lady golfer Peace Kabasweka seemed to be on course to claim her maiden championship. Kabasweka who managed 79 and 77 on day one and two respectively choked on the final round when she returned 85, totalling to a gross score of 244 and she managed to finish second.
Babirye narrates that since she is no stranger to UGC course, she found it easy to settle on the final day and claim the title from Kabasweka’s sight.
“Generally my game wasn’t bad! However I fought hard till the final hole. On the final day, I was chasing pars in each hole and setting such a target helped me stay focused,” Babirye who was crowd favorite revealed adding that determining the pressure group on day two helped her get set for the tight competition.
The pressure group that had Babirye, Kabasweka and Irene Nakalembe was determined during draws for day two but the former who was last year’s runner up finished third with a total gross score of 244 (81, 78 and 85).
Going forward, Babirye now seeks to emulate Flavia Namakula’s dominance at Uganda Open. Namakula had back to back titles in 2010 and 2011 including three straight wins between 2014 to 2016.
The Uganda Opens resumes this week with the Amateur gross event running between 1st to 4th December whilst the Amateur Subsidiary event is slated for 5th and 6th December.
The Professionals (pros) will be in action between 3rd and 6th December.
The tournament sponsors are; Tusker Malt Lager (main sponsor), Next Media, Master Power Systems, Stanbic Bank, Pinnacle Security, Crown Berger, Crown Beverages, Robert Ojara Education Foundation and Case Medcare (who will handle any COVID-19 issues and other health related matters).