Event: 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open
Dates: 18th November – 4th December
Professionals Open: 1st – 4th December
Venue: Entebbe Club
Local golfers Irene Nakalembe and Joseph Cwinya-ai have already done the nation proud after winning the Ladies and Amateur events respectively of the 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open that’s still going on Entebbe Club’s par-71 lakeside golf course.
Now the ball is in the local professional golfers’ hands who will attempt to ensure that all titles of the Uganda Golf Open will stay at home when they tee-off on Wednesday at the event’s (Professionals Open) 16th staging, which also doubles as a Safari Tour event.
The players fine-tuned their game on Tuesday in the Absa Bank sponsored Pro-Am tournament that had a couple of fine local amateurs in the mix as well, including a foreign legion.
After winning the Nyali Golf Club leg of the Safari Tour in Kenya in October, local pro Deo Akope of Uganda Golf Club but born and bred in Entebbe, also the UPGA Captain is in good shape to win his third title of the Uganda Golf Open. He won the inaugural edition in 2006 and later in 2014 and he’s the last Ugandan since then to have the accolade at his grasp.
Other golfers likes Philip Kasozi, Denis Anguyo, Becca Mwanja, Brian Toolit, the Bagalana brothers Abbey and Hussein, Herman Mutawe, and Joseph Mawejje of UGC are also in good shape having had a few competitions in the recent past.
Home boy Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi who turned pro in 2019 has been having impressive practice rounds in the buildup together with other pros and will put in a good shift.
Ronald Rugumayo of Tooro Club is also in fine form and will seek to disrupt the pecking order. He featured in some Safari Tour a few weeks ago and he with other Ugandans who were in Kenya will make use of that experience.
However, players recently held a two-round preparation event a few days ago and are buzzing to throw paint on the leaderboard.
The pro kitty for this year’s pro event is UGX100M.
Zimbabwean pro Robson Chinhoi last year’s edition held at Uganda Golf Club.
Tusker Malt Lager is the championship lead sponsor and its partners are; Absa Bank Uganda, Abubaker Technical Services & General Supplies, Britam Uganda, Case Medical Services, Egis Road Operation Uganda, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, National Council Of Sports, NTV Uganda, Pepsi, Pinnacle Security Limited and Uganda Tourism Board.
PAST PRO WINNERS
2020: Robson Chinhoi (ZIM)
2019: Muthiya Madalisto (ZAM)
2018: Dismas Indiza (KEN)
2017: Stephen Ferreira (POR)
2016: Joshua Seale (RSA)
2015: Muthiya Madalitso (ZAM)
2014: Deo Akope (UGA)
2013: Vincent Byamukama (UGA)
2012: Dismas Indiza (KEN)
2011: Dismas Indiza (KEN)
2010: Jean B. Hakizimana (RWA)
2009: Richard Ainley (KEN)
2008: Dismas Indiza (KEN)
2007: Dismas Indiza (KEN)
2006: Deo Akope (UGA)
Summary of 2021 Uganda Open schedule
Ladies Open: 18th to 20th November
Seniors Open: 19th to 20th November
Par-3 Competition: 24th November
Amateur Open: 24th to 27th November
Pro-Am: 30th November
Professional Open: 1st to 4th December
President’s Shield: 4th December
2021 Uganda Golf Open winners
LADIES: Irene Nakalembe (Uganda)
SENIORS: John Muchiri (Uganda)
AMATEURS: Joseph Cwinya-ai (Uganda).
