Luutu, Pavie top the Uganda Seniors Golf Open Championship

Jinja Golf Club’s Catherine Pavie carded an overall 177 in 36 holes to successfully defend her Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Golf Championship title at the Uganda Golf Club course, Kitante, on Sunday.

Pavie’s only two birdies, one in each round on the par-3 holes 4 and 17, made the difference as she edged out UGC’s Rose Azuba for the championship by two strokes.

Jenina Nasimolo and Grace Kabonero finished third and fourth overall, 7 and 8 strokes away, respectively, as Ruth Ssali and Peace Muyege tied for fifth after they each posted 194gross.

Pavie started strongly with an 83 as Azuba managed 85, but the latter could not replicate her opening round performance, and despite producing a best-of-the-round 91 in the second, it was only good for second in the championship for golfers aged 55 and above.

In the men’s division, Elijah Luutu came to the championship not expecting much. But by the time the Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open wrapped up on Sunday morning, he had managed to clinch a championship title, adding another feather to his golfing cap.

Luutu had to fight off a late push from Joseph Bagabo to take home the men's title by two strokes in an event that finally concluded on Sunday after being delayed by bad weather on Saturday.

Heavy rain and poor visibility forced an abrupt suspension, moving the final day to Sunday.

When play resumed Sunday morning, Luutu’s lead had narrowed to a slim margin. He opened with a level-par 72 on Friday, giving him an early advantage. However, Bagabo closed the gap to two shots by Saturday before play was suspended. Hassan Pirani also emerged as a contender.

Pirani began Sunday just one shot behind Luutu, but an out-of-bounds on the 16th ended his challenge, leaving Bagabo as Luutu’s main competitor. Bagabo remained determined to contest the title. Luutu made par on the 17th, while Bagabo’s birdie brought them level heading into the final hole. On the final hole, Bagabo missed the fairway with his tee shot, while Luutu found his.

Bagabo’s approach from the rough went out of bounds, giving Luutu control. Bagabo’s double-bogey became irrelevant after Luutu secured par.

“I didn’t feel the pressure. It was quite a surprise to me. I came simply to play the tournament. I wasn’t coming to win it,” Luutu said. “On day one, I didn’t even look at the scores. On day two, it was almost the same thing. I just stuck to the plan and continued playing. “The rain didn’t affect me. I stayed cool and came to play my game.” For Luutu, this victory holds special significance. Although he has earned accolades throughout his career, this was his first major championship.

The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is co-sponsored by Absa Bank, Aquafina, Medisell, Finaltus, Case Hospital, MTN, the National Council of Sports, NBS, Pearl Marina, Rosefoam, Uganda Airlines, the Uganda Tourism Board, the Uganda Golf Club, and the R&A.

Men: Top five

Elijah Luutu 72 87 159

Joseph Bagabo 80 81 161

Hassan Pirani 78 85 163

Gurbux Singh 77 86 163

Per Knutsson 87 79 166

Ladies: Top five

Catherine Pavie 85 92 177

Rose Azuba 88 91 179

Jenina Nasimolo 92 92 184

Grace Kabonero 91 94 185

Ruth Ssali 97 97 194

Peace Muyege 96 98 194

Subsidiary-Overall

Michael Monne 69 69 138

Winnie Mpabwa 78 67 145

Nett category

Julius Musiimenta 68 73 141

William Otieno 68 76 144c/b

Michael Cleave 66 78 144

65-74 years

Charles Katarikawe 71 71 142

Warren Namaara 69 74 143

Abbas Luyombo 76 70 146

Regina Ddamulira 74 79 153

Ruth Ssali 78 78 156c/b

Peace Muyege 77 79 156

75-79 years

Patrick Kabonero 73 67 140

John Waigo 75 69 144

Jackson Karyarugookwe 80 69 149

80 years & above

Kaka Matama 66 72 138

Sam Zaramba 74 73 147

Arthur Gakwandi 78 75 153

Connie Mukuru 87 94 181

Longest drive

Rose Azuba

Jimmy Sherlock

Nearest to the pin

Dave Plenderleith

Jennifer Opio