Event: 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open
Dates: 18th November – 4th December
Ladies Open: 18th – 20th November
Ladies Winner: Irene Nakalembe – 222 gross
Venue: Entebbe Club
Playing on home course, Irene Nakalembe on Saturday, 20th November hoisted the ladies title of the 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open alias Uganda Ladies Golf Open when she triumphed at the event’s 71st staging after the final round at Entebbe Club’s par-71 golf course.
Nakalembe, handicap 4 shot an overall 9 over par 222 (78, 71 & 73) after three rounds of play to claim her maiden Uganda Ladies Golf Open title. She finished three strokes ahead of Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama who emerged runner up off 12 over par 225.
Nakalembe started the tournament outside the podium bracket as she tied for fourth with Tanzania’s Vicky Elias off 7 over par 78 in Thursday’s opening round. She (Nakalembe) however insisted that her eyes were on the title and she later focused on her driving in the final two rounds and it paid off as she had the title at her grasp at the end of proceedings.
On day two (Friday), Nakalembe stormed the summit with an overall 7 over par 149 and once she took the lead, she never looked back and she emerged winner after returning 2 over par 73 in the final round, shooting an overall 222 gross score to win this year’s edition.
However, last year’s winner Martha Babirye finished third with 19 over par 232, four strokes ahead of Peace Kabasweka who finished fourth as day one leader Meron Kyomugisha finished fifth with 30 over par 243.
Gloria Mbaguta (34 over par 247) tied for sixth with Tanzania’s Vicky Elias while Lillian Koowe, Dianah Nambalirwa and Resty Nalutaaya capped the podium with gross scores of 253, 255 and 256 respectively.
Alongside the ladies event, the Seniors Open also took place and it lasted for two rounds (Friday and Saturday). John Muchiri emerged winner off 20 over par 162 (80, 82), Joseph Bagabo was second with 22 over par 164 (77, 87) while Tony Kidasha capped the podium with 24 over par 166 (81, 85).
The men’s subsidiary event (handicap 0-14) was held on Saturday with Marvin Kagoro emerging winner off 68 nett. Denis Kahindi was runner up with 71 nett whilst Sam Kacungira capped the podium with 72 nett.
Up next in the Uganda Golf Open schedule is the Amateur Open slated 24th to 27th November at the same venue. This is the main event of the championship and it will be marking its 80th staging.
Tusker Malt Lager is the championship lead sponsor and its partners are; Absa Bank Uganda, Abubaker Technical Services & General Supplies, Britam Uganda, Case Medical Services, Egis Road Operation Uganda, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, National Council Of Sports, NTV Uganda, Pepsi, Pinnacle Security Limited and Uganda Tourism Board.
Uganda Ladies Golf Open final leaderboard
1. Irene Nakalembe – 222 gross
2. Mercy Nyanchama (KE) – 225
3. Martha Babirye – 232
4. Peace Kabasweka – 236
5. Meron Kyomugisha – 243
T6. Gloria Mbaguta – 247
Vicky Elias (TZ) – 247
9. Dianah Nambalirwa – 255
10. Resty Nalutaaya – 256
Past 15 winners of Uganda Ladies Golf Open
2021: Irene Nakalembe
2020: Martha Babirye (Uganda)
2019: Martha Babirye (Uganda)
2018: Neema Olomi (Tanzania)
2017: Angel Eaton (Tanzania)
2016: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2015: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2014: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2013: Angel Eaton (Tanzania)
2012: Angel Eaton (Tanzania)
2011: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2010: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2009: Jasper Kamukama (Uganda)
2008: Melissa Nawa (Zambia)
2007: Mary Karano (Kenya)
Summary of 2021 Uganda Open schedule
Ladies Open: 18th to 20th November
Seniors Open: 19th to 20th November
Par 3 Competition: 24th November
Amateur Open: 24th to 27th November
Pro-Am: 30th November
Professional Open: 1st to 4th December
President’s Shield: 4th December
2020 Uganda Open Golf Championship winners
LADIES: Martha Babirye (Uganda)
AMATEURS: John Lejirma (Kenya)
PROFESSIONALS: Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe).