Handicap -2.5 golfer Godfrey Nsubuga emerged winner in the amateur event of the 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship that came to a close on Saturday at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala. The Mehta Golf Club star maintained his lead throughout the tournament and held off a late charge from some of the top talent in the field to secure the win.
Nsubuga who also doubles as a member of Uganda Golf Club maintained his lead throughout the event, subjecting his rivals to the bridesmaids role. He carded 65, 69, 72 and 69 from day one to day four respectively, amassing an overall score of 13-under par 275.
“In the first place I would like to thank God who has enabled me do this because if it wasn’t his will I wouldn’t have done it…I would like to thank the Mehta family that gave me a chance to start playing golf…I would also like to thank the Uganda Golf Union that has been very supportive to me…I would also like to thank the entire golfing fraternity especially members of Uganda Golf Club, they have been very supportive,” a grateful Nsubuga said.
Second position went to Ibrahim Bagalana who was four strokes behind Nsubuga while 2021 winner Joseph Cwinya-ai finished third with 4-under par 284. Last year’s runner-up Michael Tumusiime who was also in the Saturday pressure group finished fourth with 7-over par 295.
The battle for the title was intense, but Nsubuga remained unruffled and played with a level of consistency that was impressive for a golfer competing in his fourth Uganda Open Golf Championship. Heading into the final round, Nsubuga was only three shots ahead of Bagalana and six shots ahead of Cwinya-ai and the event turned out to be a three-horse race but Nsubuga who led in the opening three rounds defended his lead one last time to emerge champion.
“I always play under par on this course and when I took the lead on day one, many people were hopeful that I’ll take the Uganda Open and I’m thankful that I have won the tournament. The pressure was there in the final day but I stayed cool and finished strong,” Nsubuga who credited his caddy Mufti Musinguzi said adding that; “I have been very positive and the surrounding environment has been very positive. It’s not a surprise that I have played very well like this but I didn’t expect to play those many unders.”
Nsubuga who had a total of 21 birdies and an eagle throughout the event credits his consistency and good putting for an excellent display at the tournament. “I’m really happy about my game. The course has been in good condition and I enjoyed myself here.”
The victory is sure to be a watershed moment in Nsubuga’s career, with many experts predicting that he has a bright future ahead. As golf fans mainly from Mehta Golf Club and Uganda Golf Club celebrate his win, the spotlight will undoubtedly shift to Nsubuga’s next challenge and the possibilities that lie ahead for the young golfer.
The tournament’s closing ceremony was an opulent affair, thanks to the generous support of the title sponsor, Johnnie Walker. Golfers and attendees were treated to a Big Flavour experience, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and style.
Among the winners honoured at the ceremony were Conrad Odere, who won the hole-in-one prize of a Motorola smartphone RAZR 40, Titus Okwong, who claimed the nearest-to-the-pin award, and Felix Dusabe, securing the longest drive accolade, which included a Powerology Phantom Portable Bluetooth speaker and a Motorola Smart Phone Moto G.
The evening also featured a captivating performance by Michael Ouma and his band, who treated the audience to timeless Lingala and Soukous music, creating an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Andrew Kilonzo, Uganda Breweries Managing Director, expressed Johnnie Walker’s commitment to supporting golf in Uganda, highlighting UBL’s longstanding relationship with the sport.
“These past couple of days have definitely been nothing short of exciting! As Johnnie Walker, all our efforts to support the game of golf in Uganda come as no surprise. For years now, our brands- Singleton and Tusker Malt Lager, have been at the forefront as the biggest supporters of golf in the country. Johnnie Walker has now assumed the responsibility to create a long-lasting relationship with the game of golf in Uganda, and we aren’t about to stop,” Kilonzo said.
In addition to the golf action on the course, Johnnie Walker offered golfers an immersive experience at the hospitality village. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the iconic whisky’s production process, from blending and aging to tasting. Guests even had the chance to engrave personalized messages on Johnnie Walker bottles, making the event even more memorable.
The 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship that started with ladies and later amateurs continues next week with the Pro-Am. The Professional Open that has a UGX 100 Million kitty will cap proceedings.
2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open
Amateur Final Leaderboard
- Godfrey Nsubuga (UG) – 275
- Ibrahim Bagalana (UG) – 279
- Joseph Cwinya-ai (UG) – 284
- Michael Tumusiime (UG) – 295
- Joseph Kasozi (UG) – 300
T6. Denis Kabarira (UG) – 302
T6. Morris Ashaba (UG) – 302
T8. Gilbert Asiimwe (UG) – 303
T8. Peter Tumusiime (UG) – 303
T10. Ally Isanzu (TZ) – 305
T10. Hassan Kiyemba (UG) – 305
T10. Joseph Kanolera (UG) – 305
