Kibirige takes a one-stroke lead as the Entebbe Pro Tees starts
Kibirige notched six birdies, opening with the first on the par-5 hole 1 before his second on the par-4 hole 3, with his only blemish on the front nine coming on the par-4 hole 5 and the par-3 hole 8 for a level score on the front.
Kibirige shot 3-under 68. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Marvin Kibirige carded an opening round 3-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead as the inaugural edition of the MTN Pro Tees tournament started at Entebbe Club on Tuesday.
Kibirige notched six birdies, opening with the first on the par-5 hole 1 before his second on the par-4 hole 3, with his only blemish on the front nine coming on the par-4 hole 5 and the par-3 hole 8 for a level score on the front.
On the back, the Equity Bank-sponsored Kibirige scored more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14, and 18 to ensure the one-stroke lead ahead of Rodell Gaita and Vincent Byamukama, who tied for second with a 2-under 69 each.
Joseph Mawejje’s three birdies on the par-5 holes 7 and 15 and on the par-4 17 ensured he finished on level par, 71, one stroke ahead of Silver Opio, Abraham Ainamani, and David Kamulindwa, who tied for fifth with 1-over 72 each. There was a five-way tie for eighth involving Abbey Bagalana, Tom Jingo, Emma Ogwang, Ronald Otile, and lady golfer Irene Nakalembe, who all returned 2-over 73 each.
The MTN Pro-Tee Series is a landmark professional golf initiative designed to strengthen Uganda's competitive golf ecosystem and provide elite professionals with a structured platform to grow their craft.
The event will introduce a rigorous international-standard competition format that rewards consistency, excellence, and long-term performance. The inaugural edition will feature 40 professional golfers competing over 72 holes, with players accumulating points throughout the series to pursue the MTN Pro-Tee Order of Merit title.
The series is designed to elevate the professional game through a structured competition calendar, increased playing opportunities, and a season-long Order of Merit that rewards consistency and performance.
Top ten and ties
Marvin Kibirige 68
Rodell Gaita 69
Vincent Byamukama 69
Joseph Mawejje 71
Silver Opio 72
Abraham Ainamani 72
David Kamulindwa 72
Abbey Bagalana 73
Tom Jingo 73
Emma Ogwang 73
Ronald Otile 73
Irene Nakalembe 73