Martha Babirye over the weekend retained the UGC (Uganda Golf Club) Ladies Golf Open title after triumphing over Peace Kabasweka in a sudden death playoff at the club’s par-72 course in Kitante, Kampala.
After normal play (three rounds), both Babirye and Kabasweka had 15 over par 231 and with scores even, matters had to be settled via a sudden death playoff.
Matters were taken to Hole 12 and Babirye played four strokes against Kabasweka’s six after the latter struggling to overcome the stream obstacle in her first tee-shot. Babirye came atop retaining the title she won last time out and she received the winners trophy from Paul Okware, the National Medical Stores (NMS) Chief Stores and Operations Officer.
Babirye, handicap 4 UGC member says that she delights in the triumph but attaining the victory wasn’t easy as matters had to be settled in a sudden death playoff.
“I am very excited about winning the Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open. When we went for the sudden death, I knew it was an opportunity for the second chance to make amends. I composed myself and did it,” Babirye told Kawowo Sports.
“Peace (Kabasweka) is a good golfer and so are the rest of the golfers who took part. I thank my caddie (Robert Ssenteza) and all the sponsors that made it happen and on a personal note, I would like to thank my individual sponsors who helped me. This win prepares me for the upcoming Uganda Ladies Open in Entebbe,” Babirye added.
Babirye shot an opening round 7 over par 79, 6 over par 78 in day two and a much improved 2 over par 74 in the final round.
Tooro Club’s Kabasweka, handicap 6 on the other hand started the tournament on a strong note but accumulated more strokes going forward. She shot 3 over par 75 in the opening round, 7 over par 79 and 5 over par 77 on day three.
The outing is another heartbreaking experience for Kabasweka having finished as runner up to Irene Nakalembe in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2018. She again came second to Babirye in 2019. The 2020 edition wasn’t held due to Covid-19 disruptions.
However, Evah Magala finished third with 23 over par 239 while Gloria Mbaguta finished fourth with 26 over par 242.
However, the week-long event that was teed off by the professionals earlier in the week saw Ronald Rugumayo win in the paid ranks with 3 under par 141.
Senior women’s winner was Edrae Kagombe off 267 (Gross), seniors men’s winner was Katarikawe with – 69 (Nett) while Ivan Nalima emerged juniors’ winners with 71 (Gross).
The tournament was sponsored by National Medical Stores (NMS). Other partners were; Uganda Breweries Limited under the Tusker Malt Lager brand, Pepsi, NCBA and hosts Uganda Golf Club.
UGC Ladies Golf Open winners.
Overall winner: Martha Babirye – 231 (Beat Peace Kabasweka in a sudden death playoff)
Professional winner: Ronald Rugumayo – 141 (Gross)
Seniors (Women): Edrae Kagombe – 267 (Gross)
Seniors (Men) – Katarikawe – 69 (Nett)
Juniors Winner: Ivan Nalima – 71 (Gross).
