Martha Babirye is one of the hot picks to win the ladies event of the 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship (Uganda Ladies Open) scheduled for 12th to 14th October at Uganda Golf Club’s par 72 course in Kitante, Kampala.
Babirye currently has three Uganda Ladies Open titles at her grasp having won last year’s edition at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo. She also triumphed the last time the event was played at Uganda Golf Club (2020) as well as winning the 2019 edition at Lake Victoria Serena. Will she make it two at Serena and two at Uganda Golf Club?
“Of course I want to win the Uganda Open again…but not so badly but it could be great to get a fourth title,” Babirye said on Wednesday adding that; “when it comes to the Uganda Open, I always try to be very ready and very prepared because it’s my favourite tournament.”
Last time out, Babirye, handicap 1, shot an overall 17 over par 233 (gross) after three rounds/three days (54 holes) and was five shots ahead of Palm Valley Golf and Country Club’s Meron Kyomugisha who finished second with 22 over par 238.
The last event Babirye competed in was the Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open held last week. She finished fourth at the event off 20 over par 236 after three rounds of action. Evah Magala, handicap 2 shot an overall 12 over par 228 to win the event. Peace Kabasweka tied for second with Judith Komugisha off 15 over par 231. The four ladies are all in good shape for the Uganda Ladies Open but Babirye is keen on keeping the title at her grasp.
“My main focus has always been on the Uganda Open. Of course I should have done well at Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open but that’s now in the past and I have worked on some of the areas I needed to improve on…I’m good to go,” Babirye added.
The draw of the Uganda Ladies Open has players from Uganda (majority), Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Malawi. However, for Babirye her focus is to play against the course, not individuals.
With the Uganda Ladies Open set to tee-off, fans and golf enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see if Babirye can retain her crown and add another major win to her resume.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is boosted by the support of partners. Absa Bank Uganda, Pinnacle security, NBS Sport, Aquafina, HTC, Case Medservices, Medisell , Orchard Interiors, National Council of Sports and Tusker Malt are the partners.
Summary of 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Schedule:
- Ladies Open: 12th to 14th October
- Seniors Open: 13th to 14th October
- Amateur Open: 18th to 21st October
- Pro-Am: 24th October
- Professional Open: 25th to 28th October
