For the first time, the Corporate Masters Golf series was held in Uganda when the 13th event happened on Saturday at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and spa, Kigo. The series, previously held in renowned golfing destinations in Kenya, chose Uganda as its latest venue, signaling the country’s growing prominence in the international golfing landscape. It was the first circuit to be held outside Kenya.
The Saturday event, powered by DStv for Business witnessed a convergence of business leaders, CEOs, diplomats, expatriates, government officials and top executives, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blended the worlds of commerce and sport. The Corporate Masters Golf Series brought together influential figures who showcased their golfing prowess in a friendly yet competitive setting.
“Corporate Masters enables premium brands and premium audiences to come together and network for business as they play a round of golf. Extending this series from Kenya to Uganda serves as exchange of business between the two countries. It’s one way of building business between the two countries,” said Martin Kinyua, Head of Marketing and Co-founder Corporate Masters adding that the next event will be held in South Africa.
“In our first time in Uganda, we have been overwhelmed by the support of the brands that have partnered with us. It hasn’t been easy planning for the event from across the border but we had a local organizing committee that helped us tie the knot from both sides but for a first event I think we have done such a great job and the future can only be bright for Corporate Masters in Uganda,” Kinyua who returned 39 points on the course and emerged Kenyan winner noted adding that this year the series will be bi-annual.
Meanwhile, Master Power emerged overall winner in the Corporate Team event after they amassed 35.75 points. The team was headlined by Jadu Patel, Suresh Patel, Paul Muchuri and Dave Plenderleith.
MTN Five finished as runners up in the Corporate Team event off 35.25 points. The team comprised of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Andrew Bugembe, Albert Gitta and Bridget Nakamoga who also claimed ladies longest drive gong. MTN Four on the other hand finished third off 34.67 points with the team comprising of Nelson Musinguzi,
Phillip Walera and Rosette Tugume. Cumpara baterie de tractiune in Romania pret baterii de tractiune .
In the individual event, Mathew Nviiri emerged overall winner off 46 points while Paul Ndyaguma (43 points) beat William Mpungu on count back to take the second position. Dinah Ongol Acen (42 points) was the lady winner as well as chipping challenge runner-up while Andrew Kibaya (43 points) was the men’s winner.
In the side bets category, Jonathan Lukyamuzi won the men’s longest drive awards. The nearest to the pin gongs were taken by Evelyne Atukunda (ladies) and Giel Pretorills (men). Chipping challenge winner was Martin Kivumbi.
Sponsor companies led by DStv for Business rallied behind the event, underscoring the economic and promotional opportunities that such a high-profile golf outing could bring to Uganda. The Corporate Masters Golf Series, with its large following, positioned Uganda as a desirable destination for future editions, potentially boosting tourism and business investments.
“We are very excited to be sponsoring the Corporate Masters in Uganda because we are very invested in the game of golf. Multichoice as a brand is known for bringing you premium sports content that you love and golf is one of those things,” Ida Bagaya, Commercial Sales Manage DStv for Business said adding that such partnerships also help them connect with their clients.
Theo Van Rooyen who is the Lake Victoria Serena Director of Golf said that part of the success of the Saturday event was getting a lot of companies to be part of the event. The companies included DStv for Business (lead partners), GA Insurance, NSSF/Solana, Sentas Tours & Travel, Unilever among others.
“The future is really bright for the Corporate Masters here in Uganda. Attracting corporates in one environment is something they (corporates) want for networking,” Theo said adding that; “one thing I don’t want to leave out is Rugumayo’s performance at the Magical Kenya Open, because we as Serena have been supporting him. I think he has opened the door for other golfers and also put a spotlight on Uganda.”
