Kabasweka wins the Namulonge Ladies Open

Tooro Golf Club’s Peace Kabasweka is determined to build on his weekend victory in the Namulonge Ladies Open to win many more events, going forward.

She carded an overall 12-over 150gross over 36 holes to win the second edition of the event at the Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club, Namulonge on Saturday.

Playing off handicap -5, Kabasweka, who was returning from maternity leave, since finishing third in last year’s Uganda Open; notched four birdies overall to beat her nearest opponents Judith Komugisha and Gloria Mbaguta, who finished second and third; by four and five strokes respectively.

The different winners pose with theirtrophies after the Namulonge Ladies Open at Namulonge, July 29, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

This was her fourth career major at the par-69 course, following earlier ones that include the Entebbe, UGC Ladies, and Tanzania Ladies Open wins.

“It is such a sweet return, I had two good rounds despite making a few mistakes with my short game; otherwise it was good; I’m back,” Kabasweka, who opened with 7-over 76 before wrapping up her victory with a 74, said.

“I now have to put in more effort, and training, in all areas where I have weaknesses. This was my first tournament this year, and thank God I’m back, more focused and strong,” Kabasweka stated.

Gloria Nanyonga hit a hole-in-one during the Namulonge Ladies Open, July 29, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The two-horse, 18-hole-sh1m contest between the only two Ugandan professionals Flavia Namakula and Irene Nakalembe ended with the latter winning by two strokes after she returned 76.

“I’m not very disappointed but not very happy at the same time, because I know I could have done better but this being my first tournament in Namulonge, I will give myself some benefit, and regardless, a win is a win so I will take it,” Nakalembe said.

“I struck the ball very well, I had a birdie on hole-5 but literary had bogeys on all the par 3s, and I played the only par-5, minus 1 front and back; and there are some tricky par 4s, given another chance I know I would play better,” Nakalembe who was playing at Namulonge for the first time, but playing his fourth tournament this year, coming on the back of a win in Ghana and second place in the Ivory Coast opens.

Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda George Owinow (2nd right) and UGU vice president Jackson Were (right) and pose with Kabasweka after she won the Namulonge Ladies Open. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Uganda Golf Club’s Josephine Babirye (handicap 15) topped the bronze category after rounds of 77 and 73 (150nett), while Edrea Kagombe (151) and Prossy Zawedde (handicap 10), (152nett) finished second and third respectively.

The two-day tournament was spiced up by Gloria Nanyonga’s first career hole-in-one, on the par-3 hole-11. Using a 7-iron and a Kirkland ball, Nanyonga hit the hole on the raised and slopping green while in the company of Jackie Kwesiga.

Kenyan ambassador to Uganda George Owinow and UGU vice president Jackson Were crowned the champion.

Results

Silver Category

Peace Kabasweka 76 74 150

Judith Komugisha 76 78 154

Gloria Mbaguta 78 77 155

Bronze category

Josephine Babirye 77 73 150

Edrea Kagombe 75 76 151

Prossy Zawedde 76 76 152

Day one winners

Faith Namara 73nett

Martha Babirye 76gross

Day-two winners

Gloria Nanyonga 73nett

Lillian Koowe 77gross

Nearest to the pin

Gloria Nanyonga

Paul Ndyaguma

Longest drive

Gloria Mbaguta

Brian Kagezi

Juniors

Raymond Rwotimiyo

Seniors

Jennifer Opio 70

Gertrude Kityo 92

David Tayebwa 72

Thomas Odong 73

Subsidiary Group A

Collins Matovu 71nett

Luke Nyakarikuha 72

Samson Kamugisha 74c/b

Group B

Charles Lutwama 62

Christopher Magezi 68

Apollo Ssegawa 69

Group C

George Odong 68

George Kato 69

Edward Nangono 70