Namanda and Atinoi claim inaugural Absa Chairman's Bell Golf Caddies tournament

Joweria Namanda and Basil Atinoi posted gross scores of 6-over 78 and 1-over 73, respectively, to win the inaugural Absa Chairman's Bell Golf Caddies Tournament at Kitante on Monday.

Namanda recorded three birdies on holes 5, 8, and 13, achieving her best score in 13 years and adding to her previous victories. She finished two strokes ahead of Liz Kansiime, earning the largest share of the sh2 million prize for caddies.

"I struggled at the start, bogeying the first four holes after putting three times on each, but when I birdied the fifth, I knew I stood a chance," said Namanda, who plays off a handicap of 12. She completed the front nine at 1-over and maintained her performance on the back nine despite double bogeys on holes 12 and 17.

"I finished with five over on the back nine but had the best score. I'm really thankful to God and to our sponsors, Absa Bank, for their continued support to us caddies," Namanda, who has played in the caddies' tournament for 13 years, stated.

"Winning makes me incredibly happy, especially after a tough tournament last week where my game wasn't quite there. But I reminded myself not to give up; I thank God for this win. It's my best score since I started playing golf. Shooting 78, which is six over par, is quite an accomplishment."

The caddies' tournament, which attracted 71 players, is the first of four events this week, alongside the elite gross amateur category, the professionals, and the main amateur event.

The Caddies Tournament was introduced to recognise the vital role caddies play in the sport and to provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and gain competitive experience.

UGC Caddie Master Ronald Akorabirungi expressed his enthusiasm for the new category, saying, "This is a dream come true for many of us. For years, we have been the unseen hands behind the game, and today Absa has given us a stage to show what we can do. It means everything to be recognised and to compete alongside fellow caddies who share the same passion."

On Tuesday, the gross amateurs and professionals began their campaigns to build momentum toward Saturday's highly anticipated Main Event. The professionals' event, played over 72 holes, has a prize fund of sh20 million.

The gross amateurs, men and women, will compete for a combined sh6 million (sh4 million and sh2 million, respectively), while the caddies will play for sh2 million. Absa Bank has committed sh185 million to the 8th edition of the event, which promises to deliver exciting golf as Uganda's top talents compete across all categories.

Gross winners-men

Basil Atinoi 73

Dennis Kabarira 74

Nett category

Steven Wanock 65

Saleh Mbusa 67

Gross winners-ladies

Joweria Namanda 78

Liz Kansiime 80

Nett category

Annitah Ampaire 62

Carol Amulen 65