Event: 2022 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open, Ladies Open
Dates: 6th-8th October
Venue: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo
Martha Babirye won her first Uganda Golf Open ladies title in 2019 when the event was held at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo for the first time ever. She went ahead to complete a double in 2020 when the tournament was held at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante in Kampala.
Babirye’s attempt to claim a hat-trick in 2021 couldn’t happen after Irene Nakalembe won her maiden title at her home course, Entebbe Golf Club. The latter turned professional a few months later and will be competing in the paid ranks at this year’s Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open later this month.
With Nakalembe out of the picture, Babirye now sees herself as one of the players to beat as she aims to dominate matters when the tournament tee-offs this Thursday running up to Saturday at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.
“This year I have been working so hard ever since I came back from Tanzania. I am in great shape and I believe I will win the tournament,” Babirye said.
Babirye who represented Uganda at the recently held All Africa Challenge Trophy said that ever since she hoisted her maiden Uganda Ladies Open title in 2019, Lake Victoria Serena’s par-72 golf course has improved a lot and she will definitely enjoy her rounds.
“The course is very good, the greens have improved and it has actually changed from 2019 and its really good,” Babirye said adding that the hazards on the course mainly the water will keep her more focused.
The other player to look out for is Uganda Ladies National Team Captain Peace Kabasweka who won the Entebbe Ladies Open and Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open earlier this year.
Having claimed two major titles already, Kabasweka will seek to cap the year with a win at Lake Victoria Serena so as to get off the mark at the Uganda Golf Open.
The opening round (Silver category) has 24 players pooled into eight groups with only three foreign players in the mix, that is; Tanzanian pair of Elias Chiku and Maryanne Mugo plus Kenya’s Eunice Wanjiku Tharimu.
Meanwhile, five events will be played at this year’s Uganda Golf Open running from 6th to 29th October, that is; Ladies Open (6th-8th), Seniors Open (14th-15th), Amateur Open (19th-22nd), Pro-Am (25th) and Professional Open (26th-29th).
The lead sponsor of the tournament is Uganda Breweries Limited through the Tusker Malt Lager beer brand. Co-sponsors/partners are; Pepsi, Case Medical Care, Absa Bank, HK Properties including NBS Sport.
2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open winners
*Ladies: Irene Nakalembe (UG)
*Amateurs: Joseph Cwinya-ai (UG)
*Professionals: Jastas Madooya (KE)
Uganda Ladies Open past ten winners
- 2021: Irene Nakalembe (Uganda)
- 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)