Guma tops Serena 63 Golf Second Quarter Standings at Kigo
The feat earned the handicapped 21-player a trophy and a Callaway Elyte 3 Wood, ahead of Maxie Muwonge, who averaged 39.3 and beat Mathew Nviri on count-back.
Uganda Golf Club’s Alex Guma Tibanyendera (center) receives his prizes from Serena's John Muchiri and MTN MoMo's Albert Gitta (righ) after the second quarter action at the Lake Victoria Serena course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda Golf Club’s Alex Guma Tibanyendera averaged 39.5 points over his best six rounds to top the standings as the second quarter of the I&M Bank Serena 63 Golf Series Championship ended at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.
The feat earned the handicapped 21-player a trophy and a Callaway Elyte 3 Wood, ahead of Maxie Muwonge, who averaged 39.3 and beat Mathew Nviri on count-back.
The two won trophies, a Callaway Mack Daddy Wedge 52 degrees and a Callaway magnet cap, as well as a Serena Carmel Jacket plus 4 sleeves of Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls, respectively.
I&M Bank Chief Finance Officer Timothy Musiime (38.2pts) and David Pledereith (37.8) completed the top-five podium after the day’s round that attracted 136 players. Tibanyendera attributed his success to a lot of practice.
Eric Miller (center) poses with his prizes alongside MTN's Andrew Bugembe (left) and I&M Bank's Timothy Musiime after the second quarter action at the Lake Victoria Serena course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“I've played over 15 rounds since the season started, and I'm still playing. I make a point to play about two to three games each week. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, my plan is to play more often and train more. I aim to lower my handicap and achieve a gross score of at least 85, which I believe will help me continue winning.”
In the subsidiary event played on the same day, Eric Miller took the day’s honours after he returned 42 points ahead of Abel Okuna and Patrick Sumata, who scored 41 points apiece, with the former edging second place on count-back.
Wycliff Onduso also edged Edward Okech on count-back after they each scored 40 points, with the former taking home a trophy, a Callaway travel kit bag, and a 4.5-meter ball retriever.
Prosscovia Namulindwa won the Nearest to Pin, Gloria Mbaguta the Ladies’ Longest Drive, and Claver Serumaga claimed the Men’s Longest Drive honours in the event’s side bets.
“Participation continues to grow, which is a testament to the strength of this community and the appeal of the series. We remain committed to creating value beyond banking through experiences that matter to our clients,” part of Robin’s message read.
David Plendereith lines up a putt during the second quarter Serena 63 championship at the Lake Victoria course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Echoing the CEO’s sentiments, Annette Nakiyaga, I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the Serena 63 Series provides a platform for the bank to connect with customers, partners, and friends beyond banking while building lasting relationships.
“That is why we are proud to continue investing in experiences such as this, experiences that reflect our commitment to standing On Your Side, both on and off the course,” she said, while acknowledging series partners Serena Hotels, Kenya Airways, and new partner MTN MoMo.
The golfers will now warm up for the Migingo Skirmishes, one of the cross-border fixtures on the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series. Following the inaugural edition at the same venue in 2024 and last year’s memorable Virunga Challenge in Kigali, the event has drawn many entries from Ugandan golfers, who are set to carry the country’s golfing spirit onto another regional stage.