The annual Uganda Open Golf Championship is back this time round with Johnnie Walker as its main sponsor. This development was confirmed on Monday during a media launch held at Uganda Golf Club, the same venue that will host the tournament’s 82nd staging that will run from 12th to 28th October 2023.
Johnnie Walker has injected Shs 410millon into the three-week competition, a much improvement package from what the championship received last year from its main sponsor then.
Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, Christine Kyokunda told media that the brand will walk with golfers on and off the course, and throughout the tournament all those who will be at Uganda Golf Club will have a good time.
“To the golfers, what we promise you this month is an amazing experience. Johnnie Walker globally is about big flavour so as a brand right now we are all about creating big flavourful experiences. We are going to showcase to you the steps we take to achieve big flavourful blends. You’ll have an amazing experience…” Kyokunda said.
Kyokunda added that Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is committed to supporting golf through various brands, but Johnnie Walker and golf are related because it represents the spirit of progress and positive strides that’s why it was easy for them to make the call for this year’s Uganda Open.
James Ochen, Head of Sales Operations at Uganda Breweries noted that they are happy that the Uganda Open is back and this time round with Johnnie Walker on board as the tournament sponsor. He added that this year’s experiences will be exciting as Johnnie Walker is aligned with golf in very many ways.
Meanwhile, Uganda Golf Club Captain Emmanuel Wamala confirmed to the media that they are good to go as they invested a lot in machinery to ensure that the course is in perfect condition no matter the weather conditions.
“I believe that the players will enjoy the course because it’s in perfect condition,” Wamala said adding that three free practice rounds will be offered to all the participants.
Tournament Director, Jackson Were gave reassurance to the players that everything is set and as they come to Uganda Golf Club, they should expect a good time on and off the course.
“We have a wonderful team of the technical arm of the Uganda Golf Union which has done a wonderful job to ensure that the course and the entire environment is ready to host this tournament. We want to ensure that this year’s experience is even better than the previous one,” Were said.
Moses Matsiko, the President of Uganda Golf Union noted that it brings him and his team joy to see that the tournament is still vibrant but this has been made possible by the support of local golf partners.
“The Uganda Open, this year refered to as the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is the biggest and the longest event in the history of golf…I want to assure our sponsors that you’re in a right place and in good partnership with us,” Matsiko said adding that those who want to watch good golf shouldn’t miss out on this year’s edition.
Doreen Mwesigye, the president of Uganda Ladies Golf Union revealed that their section is geared up to ensure that it all goes well especially for the ladies event of the tournament.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open has been boosted by the support of partners. Absa Bank Uganda has injected Shs 200million that will go towards the Pro-Am event. Pinnacle security who will be in charge of the entire tournament security also unveiled a Shs 30milllion package. NBS Sport are media partners while Aquafina will ensure that participants are hydrated. HTC, Case Medservices, Medisell , Orchard Interiors, National Council of Sports and Tusker Malt are other partners.
Registration for the premier golfing event is now open through the Uganda Golf Union web portal at www.golf-uganda.com.
Summary of 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Schedule:
- Ladies Open: 12th to 14th October
- Seniors Open: 13th to 14th October
- Amateur Open: 18th to 21st October
- Pro-Am: 24th October
- Professional Open: 24th to 28th October
