Mayende crowned NCBA-US Kids Golf Series champion after dramatic playoff victory

Peter Mayende from Lugazi continued his dominance in junior golf by winning the sixth and final outing of the second season of the NCBA–US Kids Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club on Sunday.

Mayende, who also claimed victory in the first season that began in September last year, carded 75 gross in the 18-hole tournament to tie with Elvis Mugunditi of Namulonge, forcing a sudden-death playoff on hole 18.

The decider had to be replayed after both players again tied with one-over shots on the par-3 hole. In the second playoff attempt, Mayende made par while Mugunditi shot a bogey, handing Mayende victory in the season finale.

Despite finishing second in the final round, Mugunditi placed fourth overall in the season standings with 101 points.

Top girls at the NCBA - US Kids golf in the 15-18 age category. Left is Rachael Natunkuda who won and Esezar Kemigisha who finished second. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Mayende topped the second season standings in the boys' 15–18 years category after accumulating 155 points. He came into the tournament fresh from national team duty at the Victoria Cup held in Entebbe last week.

"I played my golf irrespective of what happened last week. I thank my mentors, NCBA Bank for facilitating the tournament, the Uganda Golf Union and all the clubs that host this junior tournament," Mayende said.

Coinciding with International Mother's Day celebrations, Mayende dedicated the victory to his mother and family, especially his sister Winnie Musuya who introduced him to the game of golf.

In the boys' 15–18 years category, Garvin Bwambale finished second with 131 points, Derrick Musana came third with 114 points, and Elvis Mugide finished fifth with 72 points. In the girls' U15–U18 category, Rachael Natukunda and Esezar Kemigisha, both from Fort Portal, finished first and second with 210 and 135 points respectively.

Some of the winners in the NCBA - US Kids golf at Kitante. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Other season winners in the boys' categories included Aahil Bagalana in the 7 years category with 180 points, Ezra Kabenge in the 8 years category with 167 points, Varad Godse in the 9 years category with 200 points, Dante Kawalya in the 10 years category with 190 points, Lucas Kimara in the 11 years category with 170 points, Vivan Menon in the 12 years category with 200 points, and Owen Wafula in the 13–14 years category with 145 points.

Outstanding girls in the season included Elizabeth Mwagale in the U8 years category with 200 points, Jenny Tumwesigye in the 9–10 years category with 210 points, Hannah Matsiko in the 11–12 years category with 150 points, and H. Loganathan in the 13–14 years category with 180 points.

US Kids Golf coordinator Les Brown praised the steadily improving standard of junior players.

"The standard at all levels is increasing and many players from the junior tournament have progressed to the national team," Brown noted.

According to tournament director Theo Van Rooyen, the third season of the NCBA–US Kids Golf Series will tee off next month in Entebbe.