Teams ready to battle for Zone V1 championship

By Michael Nsubuga 

THEY have all been impressed by the Uganda Golf Club course but whether their games will match the beauty at hand remains to be seen as the Zone V1 Africa Golf Championship tees off at the Uganda Golf Club on Thursday.

Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda set in motion the tournament when he officiated at the flag raising ceremony held on the 18th hole fairway on Wednesday.

The flag raising ceremony was attended by all teams including late comers Zambia who will have to play a blind course, having missed the official practice round in the morning.

Officials from the Royal and Ancient Club of Scotland, the African Golf Confederation and Ministers Charles Bakkabulindi and John Byabagambi alongside UGC members were all present at the colorful ceremony.

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda (2nd left) meets Team Uganda members after officiating at the flag raising ceremony. Picture by Michael Nsubuga

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda (center) talks to sponsors' representatives after the flag raising ceremony of the Zone V1 Africa Golf Championship at Kitante. Picture by Michael Nsubuga

"We have concluded the managers' meeting and all is set for a great event," UGU president Kiryowa Kiwanuka told the press before the flag raising ceremony.

"I want to thank the president for all the care and attention he has given to this event and especially the national team. The team is in good spirits and the message from him has really boosted their morale,"

The tournament starts with a singles round on Thursday before the doubles and foursomes thereafter. It will end with another singles round on Saturday.

Uganda's best outing has been a third place finish when Uganda hosted the event for the first time in 2006.

South Africa are the record winners of the championship with 19 victories since 1995 in Africa's flagship event.

Prior to the event the South African team has been preparing in Argentina and are ready to defend their title.

"We are in good form, though you cannot predict what will happen in the game of golf; but our team is good enough for the job and the course is good," Tristen Strydom a member of the South Africans said.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R & A) of St Andrews in Scotland, New Vision, Shell V-Power, Sheraton Hotel Kampala NTV, Uganda Tourism Board, AAR and Uganda Breweries are sponsors of the tournament.

Golfers from Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will compete in the championship.

Mozambique withdrew at the last moment.