Dr. Kato Sebaale’s consistency in the Serena 63 Golf Series tournament has elevated him to the top of the standings after about six months of action.

Despite being third in the order of merit after the second quarter and with the third-best score over five rounds, Kato now leads the I&M Bank-sponsored tournament order of merit with 122 points.

The previous leader David Plenderleith is now joint second with Jadu Patel on 114 points each.

L-R: Sam Ssejjaka, Kato Ssebaale, Duncan Kaggwa and Charles Hamya all got to the podium after the August Mug of Mugs at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, August 26, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Kato will now hope the beautifully maintained championship course will keep giving to his game, to help him stay on course to win the overall prize.

“I encourage other golfers to keep the chase and make use of the beautiful course we have here. The course is brilliant, it encourages you to play golf,” Kato said.

Players are required to play a minimum of 36 rounds between March 1 and December 3 to qualify for the main prizes that will be given out on December 9. The prizes include a one-year free membership worth $2500 and $1500 (sh9m and sh5.5m) for the Serena course non-members and members respectively. The top five players will also be facilitated by the I&M bank to play in their I&M Invitational Golf tournament in Kenya, after what is rated as the biggest amateur event in the region.

In the Serena August Mug of Mugs tournament played on the same day (Saturday), it was Jadu Patel who took the overall honours after he returned 42 points.

Patric Matu and Jimmy Mugerwa with 36pts each topped the men’s groups A and B, with Susan Hicks and Charles Hamya taking the ladies and guest winners prizes.

Meanwhile Karim Somani returned 41 stableford points to win the seniors open played earlier on the same course on Thursday.

Ettiene and Juma Mebs with 40 and 39 points respectively were the other standouts alongside Daniel Kangu and Sam Thakkar who were the top players with 45 and 37 points respectively in the subsidiary event.

The tournament has been a highlight since its inception in March, providing both participants and enthusiasts with a remarkable opportunity to partake in a day of golfing excellence, complete with enticing prizes and giveaways.

Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Banking at I&M Bank, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it serves as a crucial connection point with the bank's valued customers. "We are doing this to give back to our customers, give them an experience and good value for money," she stated, emphasising the bank's commitment to enhancing the overall experience for their esteemed clientele.

With all its allure, the event served as a captivating experience for both participants and onlookers creating an unforgettable atmosphere both on and off the greens.

Top three order of merit

Kato Ssebaale 122pts

Jadu Patel 114

Dave Plenderleith 114

63 series order of merit (Quarter 2)

Best score over 5 rounds

Sahil Halai 193

Nick Snyman 183

Kato Ssebaale 180

Guests

Nikil 170

Nick Snyman 165

Lin Chen You 165

August Mug of Mugs

Overall winner

Jadu Patel 42pts

Group A

Patric Matu 36pts

Sam Sejjaka 34

Group B

Jimmy Mugerwa 36

Suresh Patel 34

Ladies

Susan Hicks 40pts

Guests

Charles Hamya 36

Owen 33

Dipak Halai 33

Nearest to the pin

Duncan Kaggwa

Longest drive

Luke Nyakarahuba