Over 100 juniors turned up for the third staging of the Entebbe Junior Open that was held on Friday at the Entebbe Club’s par-71 golf course.
The youngsters do that was the first competitive showpiece this year attracted players from six clubs across the country, that is; hosts Entebbe Club, Uganda Golf Club, Namulonge, Lira, Mehta (Lugazi) and Jinja.
The event was divided into five categories, that is; skills test, three holes, six holes, nine holes and 18 holes.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the event was tipped to attract a handful of golfers but the number of players that showed up for the event proper after the Junior Clinic overwhelmed organizers.
“The numbers are overwhelming! We expected about 70 players in total but we got over 100,” said event organizer Ritah Akot Apell, also Lady Captain Entebbe Club and Vice President Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU).
Scratch golfer Godfrey Nsubuga of Mehta Golf Club, a Senior Six Student of Lugazi Homeland College who was seeded in the 18-hole category emerged overall winner off two over (73 gross).
The 17-year old national team star, also former national junior team captain was awarded with a trophy, back pack, golf balls and a towel, but other podium finishers across various pools and players of interest were also awarded with various goodies.
According to the ULGU President Anne Abeja, the ladies section plans to broaden the wings of the Junior Open to the rest of the clubs across the country.
“As the ULGU, very high on our agenda is the Junior Program. We are looking forward to replacing the current stars. The future is right here!” Abeja said during the event’s award ceremony at 19th hole.
Abeja was flanked by among others, Uganda Golf Union (UGU) President Moses Matsiko and Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) Captain Deo Akope.
Akope who grew up alongside Entebbe Club course narrated his golf journey to the juniors adding that Discipline, Integrity and Hard work are three features a budding athlete must possess.
“The future of golf is here. As a union we’re happy to see many young players take part in this tournament,” UGU’s added before lauding ULGU for organizing the event.
The Entebbe Junior Open partners were; Kabalaza Team, Entebbe Club, Uganda Golf Union and Uganda Ladies Golf Union.
Entebbe Junior Open Overall Winners:
Girls Overall Winner: Frista Birabwa – 89 gross
18 holes (nett)
Girls: Mercy Ssebagala – 61 nett
Boys: Treasure Byamukama – 62 nett
9 holes
Girls: Allison Wanda – 42 gross
Boys: Ali – 40 gross
5 holes
Girls: Erika Musiime – 32 gross
Boys: Isaac Oyirwoth – 27 gross
3 holes
Girls: Amara Tumusiime – 17 gross
Boys: Nathan Lawoko – 16 gross
Skills Test
Girls: Zetu Mukisa – 8/15
Boys: Brian Agasha – 9/15
