Halai wins the Serena Captain’s Putter Golf Championship

Sahil Halai returned 43 points to win the inaugural Captain’s Putter Golf Championship at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.

Playing off a handicap of 20, Halai used his 4-iron effectively to outperform a strong field in the one-day event sponsored by Johnnie Walker.

Club captain Jimmy Mugerwa hosted the event. Uganda Breweries, DFCU Bank, MTN Momo, and other sponsors supported the tournament.

“It was a fantastic round, just incredible golf, the kind of day that happens to everyone now and then. You know, they say you'll have those days where everything just clicks. It was truly amazing,” Halai commented.

Serena's John Muchiri (left) and UBL's Josephine Njoroge (right) pose with the men's Group B's Kato Sebaale after the Captain's Putter tournament at Serena-Kigo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He described his round as mixed, noting that his usual bogeys and pars became a few birdies, making it a great game overall. Halai, who has played golf for about five years, added that although he has won with a higher handicap before, it had been about two years since his last victory, making this win especially meaningful. He also said he chose not to use his driver, relying on his four-iron off the tee to stay in the fairway.

Mugerwa said the Saturday event will soon be followed by a professional and a junior’s event because the event received an overwhelming number of sponsors. He said the event will build on the first edition’s legacy to continue even after his tenure.

Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at DFCU, said their goal is to keep making financial services easier to access, more convenient, and available to everyone. She said events like this give them a chance to strengthen connections and build relationships with businesses, customers, and communities, which is vital to their operations.

UBL's Mark Ethan Kamanyire (left) hands over prizes to the Lady's Group B winner Rhoda Kimera after the Captain's Putter tournament at Serena-Kigo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Famous South African professional golfer Ernie Els and Helena Alfredsson, a sports broadcaster and former Ladies European Tour professional golfer, also shared encouraging words about the event. They also congratulated the club on its resilience and determination in rebuilding the course after the flooding that affected it about a year ago.

During the day’s competition, Henry Kibuuka secured a podium finish with 39 points in Men’s Group A, ahead of John Muchiri (38 points) and Banza Matsiko (32). In Group B, Patrick Sumata (38), Kato Sebaale (36), and David Plendereith led the field, while John Byabagambi (35), Francis Nshekanabo (31), and Nicholas Agaba (30) topped Group C.

Top performers among the ladies included Gloria Nanyonga (34 points), Katy Kabenge (27), Rhoda Kimera (38), and Juanita Karamagi in Groups A and B. Bruce Martin and Mario Odido led the seniors’ category.

Results

Overall winner

Sahil Halai 43pts

Group A

Henry Kibuuka 39pts

John Muchiri 38

Banza Matsiko 32

Group B

Patrick Sumata 38

Kato Sebaale 36

David Plendereith 34c/b

Group C

John Byabagambi 35

Francis Nshekanabo 31

Nicholas Agaba 30

Group A-Ladies

Gloria Nanyonga 34

Katy Kabenge 27c/b

Group B

Rhoda Kimera 38

Juanita Karamaji 24

Seniors

Bruce Martin 33c/b

Maria Odido 23

Guest winner

Allan Atuhaire 39

Jimmy Odongkara 36

Robert Ejiku 34c/b

Side bets

Longest drive

Banza Matsiko

Grace Mayiani

Nearest to the pin

David Batanda

Katy Kabenge

Best dressed

George Nkya

Best Recovery shot

Jackson Were

Most balls in the water

Claver Serumaga (6 balls)