Estephania Murungi, a 7-year-old primary two pupil from Glory to Glory Education Centre, won the overall Fort Portal Junior Golf Camp Drive, Chip, and Putt competition held at the par-70 course of Toro Club last week.
Murungi, who only joined the Afriyea Golf Academy six months ago, finished ahead of 17 young players in the Drive, Chip, and Putt category by bringing her A-game.
Murungi outplayed her closest rival, Ainomugisha Labason, a 4-year-old from St. Charles Lwanga Top Class, and Princess Zebiah Akello, 7 years old and daughter of Jonah Kirya from Early Bird Nursery School.
Murungi’s dad, Don Murungi, shared that he has had a very busy period preparing his daughter, driving her to training at the Afriyea Golf Academy at Toro Club every morning and waiting for her to play and return. “I have three children in the academy, and I couldn’t be prouder to see how golf has boosted their confidence. Their overall organization is something special they’ve learned from the academy. I believe they are just playing now, but I want to encourage and support them to play professional golf.”
Estephania said, “I am so happy to win my first tournament and I will work hard to play more tournaments. I didn’t know that I had won until the time of the prize-giving because my fellows played good drives and putts too, and the competition was high. I am happy that I have turned my putting into a strong aspect of my game.”
Points were awarded to the participants in the Drive, Chip, and Putt category, with overall winner Estephania Murungi scooping 9/10 points, Labason Ainomugisha earning 8/10, and Fahad Muhammad getting 7/10 points.
The junior golf camp is a comprehensive 4-week junior golf training held at Toro Club, organized by the Afriyea Golf Academy for children of all skill levels. Beginners, intermediates, and advanced players receive various packages, including golf playing, life skills, and environmental sustainability knowledge. This program also provides a break from the pressures of academics, offering children space to learn new things, make new friends, and connect with nature while developing social skills.
Throughout the camp, participants receive training tailored to their age and skill level, culminating in a highly competitive golf tournament. The tournament features various categories, including 18 holes, 9 holes, 3 holes, and a chip-and-putt competition.
Professional golfer and Afriyea Golf Academy coach, Happy Robert, emphasized the developmental benefits of golf for children, highlighting the sport’s role in teaching integrity, social skills, and other valuable life lessons.
Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of Afriyea Golf Academy, praised the program for bringing together children from diverse backgrounds, providing them with direction for their future careers, and instilling essential values and sustainability practices. “Golf teaches a lot of transferable skills, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to positively impact young people,” he stated.
Results:
DRIVE Chip and Putt
Winner: Estephania Murungi, 7 years
Runner-up: Ainomugisha Labason, 4 years
1st Runner-up: Princess Zebiah Akello, 7 years
Winner 18 Holes:
Thaddeus Byaruhanga, 13 years with 67 net
Runner-up: Byaruhanga Justus, 16 years with 68 net
1st Runner-up: Kirungi Richard, 16 years with 70 net
Winner 9 Holes: Marunga Jasmine, 12 years with 50 C/B gross
Runner-up 9 Holes: Kamanzi Elija, 13 years with 50 gross
1st Runner-up 9 Holes: Kabajuma Joyce, 11 years with 52 gross
Winner 3 Holes: Musoni Nathan, 7 years, 23 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
Runner-up 3 Holes: Musigyizi Alvin, 10 years, 24 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
1st Runner-up 3 Holes: Fahad Muhammad, 27 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
Most Improved Player: Kasiime Violet
Smartest Player in 4 Weeks: Ra nia Emmanuella Youngman
