Season 2 of the Serena 63 Golf Series was launched today at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and spa, Kigo. The series, presented by I&M Bank Uganda and Serena Hotels, Resorts & Lodges, is a golf competition that will run over a 32-week period. Players must complete a minimum of 26 rounds of 18 holes each to qualify for the main prizes.
This year, golfers participating in the series have an opportunity to win prizes worth UGX 40 million, which includes an annual (12-month) golf membership at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa. This represents an 11% increase from the prizes offered in the inaugural season last year.
The series, played in Stableford full handicap format, will have its first quarterly event on May 25th, coinciding with its commencement. The second quarterly event is scheduled for August 10th, with the grand finale set for November 30th. However, starting next month when the series tees off, golfers will have the flexibility to play at their convenience, provided they do not use the same marker for more than three consecutive rounds.
“This is probably one of the highest prized amateur events in the country. From last year one of the standouts was the prizes we handed out during the quarterly events. We make sure everyone enjoys and they feel the value of the event,” Theodor Van Rooyen, Director of Golf at Lake Victoria Serena said adding that the series is open to all golfers in the country and beyond. The green fees for the series are $40.
During the press briefing, Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at I&M Bank Uganda, shared her excitement about the tournament’s expansion and its harmony with the bank’s overarching vision.
“At I&M Bank Uganda, our vision is centred on creating shared value for our stakeholders, including avid golf enthusiasts. Our longstanding support for the game of golf underscores our belief in its ability to mirror the bank’s success. Through strategic partnerships like the Serena 63 Golf series, we aim to continue our legacy of promoting the sport across the region,” remarked Nakiyaga.
Nakiyaga added that they encouraged golfers from all clubs to join the series because this year holds special significance for them as a bank, marking their 50th anniversary. “We began with the Katogo Series, extending the invitation to all golfers, and now we’re at this exclusive facility, which people perceive as exclusive, but we’re making it accessible to all golfers to participate in the Serena 63 Series and have the opportunity to win membership.”
Apart from the excitement surrounding the tournament, I&M Bank Uganda is thrilled to provide special perks for top-performing golfers. Specifically, the bank will invite five winners to join the esteemed I&M Invitational Golf Tournament in Kenya.
Duncan Lewa, the newly appointed General Manager of Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, emphasized that the hotel is fully prepared to host golfers throughout the series. “We are more than ready to welcome golfers throughout the series. Our commitment extends beyond mere accommodation; we’ve curated a special experience with discounted rates for both single and double occupancy rooms at $163. We extend our invitation not only to golfers but also to the general public, encouraging everyone to linger and savor every moment of their stay,” he said.
Why 63? 63 is the current course record set by Dizmas Ndiza during the 2019 Uganda Open. Lake Victoria Serena will be offering pricing associated with 63 throughout the tournament. For example, accommodation in a single room with breakfast will be $163, a platter for 2 will cost 63,000, and the entry fee will be 63,000.
Registration for the series is now open and will continue until May 31, 2024. Interested participants can register online using the provided link: https://forms.gle/FpSpEBfZpN5vvmU97. To enter, all participants must provide a valid CDH/ID. The winners of the tournament will be announced on November 30, 2024. Throughout the competition, weekly updates on point standings will be shared with all registered players. Additionally, there will be quarterly winners of the Order of Merit as the competition progresses.
