Several top performers across different categories walked away with prizes during the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa’s multiplex event held on Saturday at the club’s par-72 lakeside course. The event doubled as the May Mug of Mugs with the Serena 63 Golf Series players also in the mix.
During the weekend event that registered good attendance including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Thomas Tayebwa in the mix, the outing saw the following categories awarded: the Serena 63 Golf Series top three performers so far (Quarterly Order of Merit), Members Order of Merit (best three), Mug of Mugs podium finishers plus guest winners.
Eyes were mainly on the Serena 63 Golf Series that teed off in March this year and is powered by I&M Bank Uganda. At the weekend multiplex event, there was even a subsidiary event for the series that runs up to December this year.
For the series, the trio who are the pace setters were revealed. To determine the leaders, the best five rounds were considered for each golfer hence those who have played more rounds stood a higher chance to be recognized.
David Plenderleith is the current series leader after three months with a total score of 190 (40, 39, 38, 37 & 36). Jadu Patel follows with 181 (40, 38, 35, 34 & 34) while Dr Kato Ssebale caps the recent podium with 180 (40, 38, 34, 35 & 34).
The above trio also lead the Members Order of Merit in the same order. Note that Order of Merit is accumulation of points for the club’s internal tournaments (members tournaments). Plenderleith has 98, Patel has 72 whilst Ssebale is on 66.
The top three guests in the I&M Bank backed series are; Chen with 192, Lin Chen You with 178 and Robert Ejiku with 174. Just like in the series main competition, the best five rounds were considered to pick the best guest players in the Serena 63 Golf Series.
In the subsidiary event of the series, the winners were; Leenah Halai, Charles Hamya and Owen.
Acting Managing Director of I&M Bank, Sam Ntulume, proudly presented the well-deserved prizes to the top performers of the Serena 63 Golf Series events, that is; players in the main series, series guests and series subsidiary golfers.
From high-quality golf merchandise to carefully curated hampers, the prizes served as a testament to I&M Bank’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the sport.
“These prizes go beyond material possessions; they symbolize I&M Bank’s belief in the power of recognition and encouragement. By offering such valuable rewards, we aim to inspire golfers to continue pursuing their passion and strive for even greater heights in their golfing journeys,” said Ntulume.
Annette Nakiyaga, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at I&M Bank, took the opportunity to extend their support beyond the realm of prizes.
“Our support extends beyond the realm of prizes. As we continue to provide valuable assistance and guidance to ensure the smooth execution of the Serena 63 Golf Series. We call upon golfers to join the I&M Bank family so that we can continue supporting and nurturing the golfing community,” said Nakiyaga.
Meanwhile, for the Mug of Mugs, Basa Bose won the nearest to the pin award, George Nkya took the longest drive award while Jordan Van Rooyen emerged junior winner.
Charles Hamya emerged guest winner with 39 points. Owen and Zhong followed with 35 and 33 points respectively.
For the ladies who are members, Maria Odido emerged winner with 30 points followed Kate Kabenge with 29 points.
Men’s Group A was won by Ronnie Kasirye off 33 points but beating Uganda Golf Union President Moses Matsiko on count back. John Muchiri was third with 30 points.
Men’s Group B was won by Innocent Nahabwe with 30 points. Nobuyoshi Kida followed with 28 points while Suresh Patel was third with 27 points.
Men’s overall winner in the Mug of Mugs was Leenah Halai with 39 points.
The evening was spiced-up by live music from Jemimah Sanyu and the Unit 446 Band who delighted the crowd with their melodious tones and captivating dance moves.
