The GolfSixes League has continued to underline its status as one of the most impactful international junior golf development initiatives, following a successful national finale held at Toro Golf Club in Fort Portal.
The event, organised by the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) in partnership with The R&A and AFRIYEA Golf Academy, attracted young golfers from across the country, drawing participants from Mbarara Sports Club, Kilembe Mines Golf Club, Masindi Golf and Sports Club, alongside the host club Toro.
A total of 89 junior golfers took part in the grand finale, a clear sign of the growing interest and participation in the sport among Uganda’s youth.
A fun global format driving growth
First introduced in the United Kingdom in 2017, the GolfSixes League was designed to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for beginners and young players. The programme uses a simple, team-based Texas Scramble format, where teams of six compete over six holes, encouraging teamwork, confidence and enjoyment rather than pressure.
The initiative is supported by leading global golf bodies including The R&A, the DP World Tour, the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) and the Ladies European Tour, with additional backing from the Golf Foundation.
Today, the GolfSixes League is played in over 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania, and continues to expand.
Uganda’s growing role in junior golf
Uganda’s inclusion in the GolfSixes League marks an important step for golf development in East Africa. The country becomes the second African nation to host the programme after South Africa, highlighting the region’s rising profile in junior golf.
With one of the youngest populations in the world, Uganda presents a strong opportunity to grow the game from grassroots to elite level, while also nurturing discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship among young players.
UGU president Dr Jackson Were said the initiative fits squarely within the federation’s long-term vision.
“The GolfSixes League represents a significant step forward in our commitment to growing the game at grassroots level. By introducing young people to golf through a simple, enjoyable and inclusive format, we are creating strong foundations for the future of the sport in Uganda,” Dr Were said.
AFRIYEA Golf Academy CEO Isaiah Mwesige emphasised the importance of enjoyment and accessibility in junior sport.
“Our focus is on creating simple, enjoyable and truly inclusive pathways into golf, particularly for young people who are new to the game. By prioritising enjoyment, teamwork and accessibility, the programme builds confidence and encourages long-term participation,” Mwesige noted.
CPG CEO Ian Randell hailed the initiative’s impact globally, saying:
“GolfSixes League continues to prove to be one of the best international development initiatives and we are proud to be part of it.”
Toro Golf Club juniors emerged as overall winners, a result that delighted both players and officials at the historic Fort Portal venue.
Justus Byaruhanga, representing Toro Golf Club, said the format gave young players confidence to express themselves.
“The GolfSixes League gives young golfers the confidence to play without fear and to learn from one another as a team. Winning on home ground motivates us to keep improving and aiming higher.”
Club captain Robert Mugabe praised the event’s impact on junior development.
“It has been an honour to host the GolfSixes League. Seeing our juniors perform so well on home ground is a proud moment for the club and reflects our commitment to junior golf.”
Chief guest Ramesh Feroze also highlighted the broader value of the programme.
“Initiatives like this not only develop sporting talent but also build character, discipline and confidence. It is encouraging to see strong collaboration between local clubs, national bodies and international partners.”
Globally, the GolfSixes League has been credited with increasing junior participation and retention, particularly in the UK and Ireland, where tens of thousands of young golfers take part annually. Many clubs report that participants continue playing golf long after the League ends.
With its inclusive, team-based approach and growing footprint in Uganda, the GolfSixes League is increasingly seen as a cornerstone for junior golf development, helping to shape the next generation of Ugandan golfers and strengthening the future of the sport.
