Serena 63 Golf Series returns for third edition on June 12

The Serena 63 Golf Series Championship, spanning twenty-eight weeks, will return for its third edition at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on June 12.

The I&M Bank-sponsored event returns with exciting prizes, including a year of complimentary golf membership at the facility; exclusive accommodation experiences at Serena properties throughout East Africa, including Mombasa, Nairobi, Kigali, and Zanzibar; as well as golf-related merchandise, equipment, and sponsor-provided awards. It will be conducted using a full-handicap Stableford format.

Speaking at the launch, also attended by I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow; Annette Nakiyaga, the bank’s head of marketing and corporate communications; Serena course vice-captain John Muchiri; and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Director Theo Van Rooyen—Van Rooyen stated that the format is designed to keep players engaged throughout the season.

I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow, chips the ball during the launch of the Serena 63 Golf Series at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, April 22, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He said that participants will need to complete a minimum of six rounds per quarter to qualify for quarterly prizes and at least 18 rounds overall to compete for the grand prizes. Players can play their rounds at any time to stand a chance to win at the main quarterly events.

The series will feature three major events: the first event slated for June 20, the second on September 12, and the grand finale on November 14. Each of these events will reward top performers in both main and subsidiary categories, as well as with side bets. Participation is open to both club members and non-members at a one-time registration fee of $35 (sh63,000), including green and caddie fees.

"We have meticulously designed this series to foster consistent participation while upholding a rigorous competitive standard. Through weekly leaderboard updates and an Order of Merit system, players will have the capability to monitor their advancement consistently," Van Rooyen said. "The pivotal events, encompassing the quarterly tournaments and the November grand finale, will prominently feature the most accomplished players across various categories."

He said the allocation of prizes for quarterly accolades will be contingent upon Order of Merit ranking. "To unlock prizes for the quarterly events, you need to play a minimum of six rounds to qualify for prizes. The whole series is about consistent participation."

L-R: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Director- Theo Van Rooyen, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow, Hellen, Annette Nakiyaga, the bank’s head of marketing and corporate communications, Serena course vice-captain, John Muchiri and Chief Financial Officer at I&M Bank Timothy Musiime pose during the launch of the Serena 63 Golf Series at the Lake Victoria Serena gOLF Resort and Spa. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

If a member wins the grand prize, they will receive their entire year's subscription fees paid in full, valued at $1,500 (sh5m), along with additional merchandise. If a non-member wins, as happened last time, they will receive one year of annual membership free, valued at $2,500 (sh9m), plus add-on benefits such as zero green fees, 10% purchase discount from the pro shop, 20% off food and beverage, 20% discount on accommodation, access to the gym, and discounts on Maisha treatments.

Bairstow noted that the series has steadily grown into one of the major tournaments on the local golfing calendar.

"I'm convinced that we are adding something tangible to golf in our support of this tournament. At I&M Bank, we're intentional about our partnerships that create meaningful touchpoints with our customers in spaces that they value and identify with," Bairstow said.

"Over the past editions of this series, we've witnessed steady growth in participation and engagement, with every quarterly event building more momentum than the one previous. With the Serena Golf Resort's growing membership and its position as a premier and exclusive golfing destination in East Africa, this collaboration aligns closely with the kind of clientele we jointly serve—discerning individuals who value quality experiences, consistency, and engagement beyond the ordinary."

He noted that one of the key attractions of the series is the flexibility it offers. It allows golfers to play their rounds at their convenience before the events, giving them ample time to strike a balance given their demanding schedules.

"We therefore encourage participants to take advantage of this flexibility and make every round count towards their overall standing and the chance to win some of these amazing prizes."

Muchiri described the series as one of the key fixtures on the club's calendar.

"As a club, this series is an opportunity to open our doors and showcase the quality, unique experience, and the standards of our course. We are happy to host golfers and guests to share in the excellent experience," he said.

The event was born from Kenyan professional Dismas Indiza's heroics, which saw him set a new course record of 63 during the 2019 Ugandan Open.