Tanzania’s Neema Olomi is the Day One leader of the Ladies Open at the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, currently underway at the par-71 Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Olomi, handicap 2, and hails from Arusha Gymkhana Golf Club and famously won the Ladies Open in dramatic fashion in 2018, is currently leading with a gross score of 73.
“I’m happy to be the first among the players, and I’m proud to be the leader of day one,” Olomi said.
Olomi got off to a strong start when she opened with a birdie at the par-4 hole 1. Additionally, she birdied the par-5 hole 7, the par-3 hole 15, and the par-4 hole 18.
With the Lugazi course playing long, Olomi, a hard-hitter known for her powerful drives, was able to leverage her strength to maintain control and set the pace early in the tournament.
“I didn’t find the course difficult. I’m used to playing long balls, so what helped me most was playing the long balls,” she added.
Uganda’s top contender, three-time champion Martha Babirye, handicap 6, from Jinja Club, who won the Pearl of Africa Series on the same course last month, is second off 77.
Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama, handicap 6, from Vet Lab Sports Club, is behind Babirye by one stroke. The East African trio will form Friday’s pressure group.
According to Babirye, she has no problem doing the chasing. “I’ve been in this position before, and I know how to handle the pressure. I just need to stay focused and play my game.”
Playing on her home course, national team star, Winnie Musuya (80) is tied for fourth with Kenya’s Ashley Owor. Lillian Koowe sits in sixth place with a score of 82.
Defending champion Iddy Madina is tied for seventh with Julian Joan Nampewo off 84.
The Ladies Open, the second event of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, will welcome participants in the bronze category on Day Two. Day Three will feature the amateurs, with a full course anticipated.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS sports, and MTN MoMo
