Golf: Kibirige moves closer to pro tour status after India success
Representing Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Course, Kibirige recorded six birdies, 22 pars and six bogeys across the two rounds to finish one stroke behind Indian national MD Nawab, who posted a total of 141.
Ugandan professional golfer Marvin Kibirige in action. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)
_________________
Ugandan golfer Marvin Kibirige carded a level-par 142 over 36 holes to finish second at the first Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Qualifying School tournament held at Kensville Golf and Country Club in Ahmedabad, India.
Representing Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Course, Kibirige recorded six birdies, 22 pars and six bogeys across the two rounds to finish one stroke behind Indian national MD Nawab, who posted a total of 141.
The result earned Kibirige qualification to the next stage of the three-phase event, with the second stage scheduled for January 20–21 and January 23–24, ahead of the final stage set for January 27–30.
The Equity Bank-sponsored golfer opened with a one-under-par 71 before posting a two-over-par 73 in the second round, comfortably making the cut set at six-over-par 150. He progressed alongside 27 other players from a field of 141 competitors in Pre-Qualifying 1.
“Finishing in second place is a testament to the hard work and dedication I've put into my game. I'm thrilled to have made it to the next stage of Q-School, and I'm grateful for the support of Equity Bank Uganda and my fans,” Kibirige said. “This achievement fuels my determination to keep pushing forward and achieve even greater success.”
Kibirige’s outing in India marks a pivotal moment not only in his career but also in the broader journey of Ugandan golf onto the global stage. The Qualifying School is a high-stakes pathway that serves as a gateway to some of the world’s most competitive professional tours.
This is the second time Kibirige has ventured into international tour events, having previously competed in several Sunshine Tour tournaments in Zimbabwe. Zambian golfer Sydney Wemba also made the cut, finishing 16th after rounds of 75 and 74.
The Qualifying School is widely regarded as a career-defining platform, where strong performances can earn players status on major regional and global tours. Such progression unlocks regular competition, world ranking points and sustainable professional income. With competitive opportunities in Uganda limited, the Q-School route represents a transformative pathway for emerging professionals.