KCB Group-1 to represent Uganda at East Africa Golf Tour finale in December

Team KCB Group-1 scored 110 Stableford points to win the Ugandan leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour Tournament at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.

The team of Lawrence Kimathi, Banza Matsiko, Mark Namanya, and Moses Matsiko earned an all-expense paid trip to Nairobi, where they will represent Uganda at the grand finale in December.

The tournament, now one of the region's largest amateur golf series, spans five countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, with 26 qualifying events leading up to the finale in Kenya. Banza contributed 38 points, Namanya 37, and Matsiko 35, narrowly defeating the KCB Treasury-1 team of Thomasmore Katutsi (39), Saidi Twijukye (35), Richard Mucunguzi (35), and Jude Ochieng (29) by one point.

“I feel very good. It's been a long time since I last stepped on the podium, so I'm very happy. I can't put my excitement in words,” said Namanya, who played off a handicap of 17.

“At the end of the day, even in a team event, it comes down to your own decisions and performance. I focused and played my best.”

“Two weeks ago, I shot a 66 nett on this course, so I felt confident. Although my start was shaky, I stabilised midway. My chipping and putting were strong, and my short game made the difference,” Namanya said. He noted he is recovering from injury and aims to return to Group A. “Kenya has a much larger golf culture than Uganda, and I look forward to competing there. The courses and competition are excellent, and the challenge is different. You must consider the course, weather, and energy. I am very excited.”

Matsiko noted their performance could have been stronger, as they struggled with putting and faced a 20-minute tee-off delay. “The greens were much faster, and the breaks were unpredictable. We struggled initially, but as regulars on this course, we adjusted,” Matsiko said.

“That adjustment helped us play a better back nine. The course played short, so I used my driver only three times and relied on irons, which was challenging. Overall, the course and greens were excellent, though it was busy. I wish we had played earlier for potentially better results. I am happy and thank the sponsors for enhancing the event. It was a great experience at Lake Victoria Serena Kigo,” said Matsiko, who plays off a handicap of 5.

“We are happy to represent Uganda. While there will be fun, our focus is on working hard and achieving strong results for Uganda in the next tournament.” In addition to the all-expense-paid trip, the winners received trophies and KCB Bank-branded travel bags.

The individual honours went to Ernest Rukundo and Berna Musanabera, who returned 41 and 35 points, respectively, taking home Ping Hoofer stand bags, while the other group winners took Master's golf trolleys and trophies. The one-day event, held under the theme ‘Roar on the Green,' was sponsored by KCB Bank, Kenya Airways, CFAO, ICEA Lion, and Ruby Hospital. CFAO’s sh400m car for a hole-in-one went unclaimed as no golfer managed the feat. Edgar Byamah, the KCB Bank Uganda Managing Director, said their association with golf is widespread across the country. 

He implored the winning team to replicate the 2024 team that won in Serena and also in Nairobi. He said they were committed to sponsoring the event in the coming years. ICEA LION Insurance showcased its Clubman's Insurance cover designed for golfers. The policy provides protection of up to sh4m against loss or damage to golfing equipment and personal effects while playing, practising, or in transit.

Kenya Airways has a running 15 per cent discount for golfers and offered the tickets that the winners will use for the December trip. Jimmy Mugerwa, the captain of the Serena Golf Club, said their aim is to ensure that golfers experience golf like no other at the premier club in East Africa. He encouraged golfers to patronise the course much more to experience its world-class quality.