Kato Sebbaale leads as Serena 63 Golf Series returns for first major event

Kato Sebbaale will be hoping to maintain his lead when golfers converge for the first of three major events of the third Serena 63 Golf Series Championship at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.

Sebbaale, with an average of 40.3 points, currently leads the standings with 242 points from 12 rounds as of June 12, ahead of defending champion David Plenderleith, who has accumulated 232 from 13 rounds with an average of 38.7 points.

Jimmy Mugerwa and Gift Shoko, who have so far completed 11 and 8 rounds respectively, are tied on 227 points each, while Francis Nshekanabo, John Byabagambi, and Alex Guma all have 225 points, having completed 14 and 7 rounds each respectively.

Maxie Muwonge (224 pts), Duncan Kaggwa (220), and Phillip Mutebi (219) complete the top ten in the event, which has over 130 registered entries.

The series is designed to keep players engaged throughout the season. Participants will need to complete a minimum of six rounds per quarter to qualify for quarterly prizes and at least 18 rounds overall to compete for the grand prizes. Players can play their rounds at any time to stand a chance to win at the main quarterly events.

The second major event of the series, spanning twenty-eight weeks, will be played on September 12, with the grand finale set for November 14. Each of these events will reward top performers in both main and subsidiary categories, as well as with side bets.

"We have meticulously designed this series to foster consistent participation while upholding a rigorous competitive standard. Through weekly leaderboard updates and an Order of Merit system, players will have the capability to monitor their advancement consistently," said Lake Victoria Serena Golf Director Theo Van Rooyen.

A member winning the grand prize will receive their entire year's subscription fees paid in full, valued at $1,500 (approximately sh5 million), in addition to merchandise. If a non-member wins, as was the case last time, they will receive one year of annual membership free, valued at $2,500 (approximately sh9 million), along with additional benefits including zero green fees, a 10% purchase discount from the pro shop, 20% off food and beverage, 20% discount on accommodation, access to the gym, and discounts on Maisha treatments.

"We are looking forward to welcoming golfers for the first quarterly tournament of the year. The course is in good condition, and we are ready to deliver a memorable experience for all participants," Van Rooyen added.

Annette Nakiyaga, I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the bank was pleased with the response the series has received since its return.

"We are excited to see the Serena 63 Golf Series back on the calendar, and the level of interest we have witnessed so far has been very encouraging. Golfers have embraced the competition, and that motivates us to continue investing in platforms that bring people together through the game," Nakiyaga said.