Junior golfers shine at Mehta Lugazi in NCBA–US Kids Golf tour

New junior golf talent continues to emerge from Mehta Lugazi Golf Club, with Anthony Otokei and Peter Mayende excelling in the 2024 season of the NCBA–US Kids Golf Tour, played across six premier golf courses in Uganda.

Otokei, a student in S1 at Juliana High School in Lugazi, finished with a total of 172 points, while his teammate Peter Mayende secured second place with 155 points.

Bwambale from Kilembe Mines Golf Club in Kasese finished third in the boys’ category with 101.5 points.

In the girls’ category, Winnie Musuya and Mercy Ssebagala, both from Lugazi, finished first and second with 140 and 127.5 points, respectively, in the 15-18 years age group after the six tours. Rachael Natukunda from Fort Portal was third with 120 points.

U18 girls who won accolades in the 2024 NCBA - US Kids golf at Uganda Golf Course Kitante. From the left is Winnie Musuya, Rachael Natukunda, Mercey Ssebagala, and Nicole Atuhaire. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Thetournament was held at Metha-Lugazi, Entebbe, Palm Valley Bwebajja, and Namulonge golf courses on Sunday marked the end of the 2024 NCBA-UK Kids Golf season, which saw over 100 boys and girls aged 6-18 compete at various golf courses across the country.

“I thank NCBA for sponsoring me in all the competitions and Mehta Golf Club for facilitating many of us who could not play golf due to lack of funding from our parents. I want to excel not only in Uganda but also internationally. I also thank my sponsors for the school fees,” noted Otokei.

“I thank Mehta Golf Club, NCBA, and US Kids for organizing this annual tournament that has pushed me to the national team at a young age. I also thank my coach, Flavia Namakula. The tournament has sharpened my preparation for the Africa Women Championship in Morocco later this month,” noted Musuya.

NCBA head of marketing, Edgar Tusiime, said they have identified 10 talented players who they will continue to sponsor in other tournaments to groom talent in the country.

A parent, Michael Ssengendo, praised the organizers, saying that golf keeps children focused in life, helps build relationships beyond school, provides activities beyond academics, and helps them avoid excessive phone use.

NBCA – US Kids Junior Golf Winners:

Boys Under 15-18 Years:

1.Anthony Otokei 172.5 Points

2. Peter Mayende 155

3. Garvin Bwambale 101.5

 Girls Under 15-18 Years

1.Winnie Musuya 140 Points

2. Mercy Ssebagala 127.5

3.Rachael Natukunda 120

Boys Under 13-14

1.Shashank Gadre 140 pts

2.Abisha Namanya 130

3.Solomon Mutaawe 102

Girls Under 13 - 14

1.Harssintha Loganathan 160

2.Esezar Kemigisa 115

3.Jannet Nsubuga 76