Event: Tusker Malt Uganda Open Golf Championship 2020
Duration: 26th November – 6th December 2020.
Ladies Open: 26th – 28th November 2020.
Venue: Uganda Golf Club, Kitante
Lake Victoria Serena, Kigo based Martha Babirye claimed her maiden Uganda Open Golf Championship ladies title last year at her home course off a total gross of 242, just one stroke better than runner up Irene Nakalembe.
Babirye, handicap 4 has been perfecting her swing at her home course ever since lockdown days and is undoubtedly one of the players to beat when the three-day long ladies event of the Tusker Malt Uganda Open Golf Championship 2020 tees off on Thursday.
“I really want to defend it,” Babirye said during a telephone interview with this reporter.
“I have been working hard towards winning the Uganda Open once again though the weather hasn’t been good. I have been training at Uganda Golf Club course recently and I believe I’m in good shape despite the weather challenges at the moment.”
Unlike other events of the championship, the Ladies Open has only Ugandan players this time round hence the competition here is all but a home affair.
With Tanzanian trailblazers like Iddy Madina Hussein, three-time winner Angel Eaton, 2018 winner Neema Olomi out of the event, Babirye, also Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open defending champion now has her sight set only on domestic charges and will surely traverse the par-72 Kitante course as if she is playing any other domestic open.
“The absence of Tanzanian ladies favors us because some of us have been fearing them. I believe the Uganda Open will be much easier this time round because it will be like any other local event,” Babirye admitted.
However, Babirye adds that the ban on sports between March and September this year has affected all players and might have an impact on the scores.
“Most players have been playing for leisure since there are very few or no competitions. Competitions would have put us in good shape for the event but still I’m good to go,” Babirye added.
Despite having access to the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa course during the lockdown days, Babirye believes that that doesn’t guarantee success because the event will be held at UGC, not at Serena.
However, other Ugandan ladies to watch include; last year’s runner up Irene Nakalembe, Peace Kabasweka, Evah O. Magala, Gloria Mbaguta, and all other single handicappers.
