After three thrilling editions, the I&M Katogo Golf Invitational Series took centre stage with the 2023 grand finale held at the Entebbe Club, on Saturday.
Over 80 pairs of golfers took to the pristine greens of Entebbe Club to compete for bragging rights.
The course conditions were up to the standard, the greens were well cut, and gave a worthy experience.
The “Oh Gosh” format of play spiced things up. The rules were simple; golfers paired up, and every member had to record their individual nett score on each hole. The worse nett score of the pair took the biggest percentage of the final results. However, each team had a choice of six holes where the better score counted, but they had to be declared to the marker before teeing off at the next hole.
The numbers grew at the 19th hole when golfers and guests gathered to celebrate the climax of the most intriguing golf series- the I&M Katogo Golf Invitational Series, a competition that has made a name for its brotherhood and liveliness.
The iconic Johnnie Walker showed up and spiced up the evening with a cocktail bar that ensured the golfers enjoyed tasty themed cocktails all through the night.
Some of the cocktails on the menu included the Fruity Johnnie & Berries, the Creamy Johnnie Colada and the spicy Johnnie Firecracker.
The event had a respectable guest list that had His Lordship the Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda- Kirwowa Kiwanuka, the Executive Director Supervision, Bank of Uganda- Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi, the I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow, as well as the bank’s Exco members.
Biological sisters Charity Atuhaire and Faith Namara emerged the top pair in the Ladies’ category, while the Jackson Were and Enock Nuwagaga pair won the Men’s category. The two winning pairs were awarded trophies each, air tickets to Rwanda, and a weekend at the Serena hotels.
The Katogo series Captain- Hannington Mpima applauded the anchor sponsors- I&M Bank Uganda, for working with the organisers to elevate the series to the level of an admirable brand that has attracted golfers from all over the country.
“I want to thank I&M Bank for believing in us. We were just all about fun when they came in. But look at how big we’ve closed the year! Thank you, and we’re definitely getting bigger next year,” Mpima said.
Robin Bairstow, the I&M Bank CEO thanked golfers for embracing the series, and promised to further the relationship for another three years.
“I was warned that Entebbe Club is the most fun club, I’m glad to witness it first-hand. Our success has yielded success by all measures, but that does not stop us from working harder to elevate the experience to even greater heights. I am happy to announce that I&M Bank is committing to be a part of the Katogo Series for the next three years,” he said.
Katogo Patrons- Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Edward Kabuchu, awarded Robin with a putter, as their invitation for him to join Entebbe Club.
They also awarded Annette Nakiyaga, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank with a sealed present for taking it upon herself to elevate the series from a casual friendship series, to a unique major tournament on the golf calendar.
The organisers also awarded the other sponsors- Rwanda Air, GA Insurance, Timecorp Security, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon events, and Renault Uganda.
After the official business, Janzi Band took to the stage and made it a point to feed off the audience’s energy to pull off covers of several popular hits.
