In an 18-hole gross competition, over 30 young stars competed to qualify into a six player shootout on the 18th hole during the inaugural Afriyea Golf Academy Par 3 Championship at Toro Club in Fort Portal on Friday.
The two players finishing nearest to the pin went on to compete in the grand finale with Rachael Natukunda narrowly missing out on victory.
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, 16-year-old Justus Byaruhanga emerged champion.
Organized by the afriyeagolfacademy.com and sponsored by The Social Golfer and Gogogo Sport, the tournament showcased exceptional talent from young golfers and proved to be a resounding success.
Gracing the event was 98-year-old Emmanual Basaliza, widely recognized as the oldest golfer not only in Uganda but also in Africa. Basaliza expressed his appreciation to Ian Mullins from The Social Golfer for the invitation to serve as the chief guest for the inaugural Par 3 Championships 2024. Basaliza took the opportunity to encourage and inspire junior golfers, stressing the significance of discipline, time management, and respect in their pursuit of the sport.
Ian Mullins, Editor of the Social Golfer expressed pride in sponsoring the event, recognizing it as an instrumental platform for junior golfers to test their skills, game strategy, and decision-making abilities. Mullins went on to say this tried and tested format in the UK gives amateur players of what real pressure is. This was born out when the lowest gross score failed to hit the green in the shootouts. We believe this prepares the young golfers for what real competitive golf is all about.
Byaruhanga expressed that this event will give him an opportunity to dig deep and admitted that in his first nine he had under performed and expressed to his fellow competitors in his willingness speech that you must never give up. He went on to say I can’t wait to defend my title in 2025.
Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of the Afriyea Golf Academy, this event epitomizes the values of the academy.
Isaiah mwesige went on to thank all the organizers of the event, specifically coach happy Robert and Andrew Mugume for their smooth running and dedication to the event.
Winner
Justus Byaruhanga
Runner Up
Racheal Natukunda
Shootout Finalists
Richard Kirungi
Edward Rubogonya
Ronald Muhumba
Simon Businge
