Parents and children bond on the greens at inaugural NCBA Golf tournament

Parents and their children shared a memorable experience on Saturday during the inaugural NCBA Parent and Child Golf Tournament held at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

The one-day event, featuring a 2-ball better-ball format, attracted 40 teams, marking the first time such a competition has been staged in Uganda. It offered a unique platform for family bonding, mentorship, and talent development in junior golf.

Players aged under 9 competed over nine holes, while those aged 10 to 18 tackled the full 18-hole course. The format encouraged strategic collaboration between parent and child, allowing the youngsters to learn course management and decision-making.

Former Uganda Golf Union (UGU) president Johnson Omolo Matsiko, who played alongside his son Banza Matsiko, praised the format.

“This is one of the most effective ways to nurture young golfers. The format teaches teamwork and course respect. If one player makes a risky shot, the other must play safe—and that calls for discussion and trust,” Matsiko explained.

Their team emerged winners in the 13–14 years category, carding an impressive 63 gross, which included nine birdies and nine pars.

Other standout performances came from former UGU Ladies President Doreen Mwesigye, who paired with her daughter Elizabeth Mwagale to win the girls under-8 category with a gross score of 40 over nine holes.

US-based professional Ronald Otire teamed up with Nehemiah Matsiko (son of Moses Matsiko) to win the under-7 category, scoring 32 gross.

Tournament organizer Les Brown commended the participating families and emphasized the tournament's role as a precursor to the 2025 NCBA – US Kids Golf Series, which is expected to tee off soon.

“This is how we grow the game. Kenya has done this for over a decade. I encourage all Ugandan golf courses to adopt this model,” Brown said.

NCBA Corporate Banking Manager Olivia Nakuya lauded the event as a tool for talent discovery and family bonding, adding:

“It’s inspiring to see families on the course together. This initiative not only identifies future stars but also strengthens parent-child relationships through sport.”

The success of the tournament highlights growing interest in junior golf and sets a strong foundation for more family-centered events in the country’s golfing calendar.

Some of the winning pairs

Men/Boys

Ronald Otire/Nehemiah Matsiko 32 gross

Ivan James / Austin Abaho 37

Moses Matsiko / Banza Matsiko 63

Geoffrey Nalima / Ivan Nalima 69

Dickson Agaba / Elijah Agaba 37

Ladies / Girls

Doreen Mwesigye/ Elizabeth Mwagale 40

Michel Sekadde / Maria Sekadde 87

Emmanuel Wamimbi/Valerile Karemera 74