Toro Club ladies pair wins Entebbe Match-Play Golf Challenge

The ladies’ pair of Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo could not hide their joy after beating the men’s pair of Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami as the Stanbic Entebbe Match Play Golf Challenge came to a close at Entebbe Club on Saturday.

The Toro Club-bred ladies won 3&1 (by three holes with one to play) to become the second all-female team to win the challenge, following the Peace Kabasweka and Sheilla Kesiime pairing that won in 2018.

After eliminating Tony Ojok and Picole Lukyamuzi 3&2 at the quarter-final stage and then seeing off Lambert Tumwesigye and Walter Tukahirwa 4&3 in the semis, there was no denying them a chance after thorough preparations.

Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo (center) are joined by the other winners of the day after the final of the Stanbic Entebbe Match Play Challenge at Entebbe Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Our opponents were very tough, but we ensured we gave them no chance to lead us. We wanted them to chase, and that is how it was because if we gave them that chance, they would be difficult to beat,” Koowe said.

“They are the first to take us up to hole 17. We were 1-up after the front nine before we won holes 13 and 17. I’m overwhelmed by this happiness, but we were determined to win it. We complemented each other very well,” she added.

Kisembo said that it was the most challenging match she has ever encountered, but the sufficient practice they did beforehand helped a lot.

“We were ready for it. When we birdied hole 13 where they got par, I knew we were winning it. I was always available when my partner messed up on any of the holes,” Kisembo said.

Kisadha conceded defeat honorably, acknowledging that they struggled on the course despite being the more experienced of the two.

Lillian Koowe (2nd left) and Joyce Kisembo (2nd right) receive their prizes from Uganda Airlines that was represented by Shakila Rahim Lamar (centre), the head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations after the final. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“They played a good game, they combined well, and our game wasn’t up to scratch today. We struggled a bit. But they played a good game and deserved to win,” Kisadha said.

Timothy Lwanga and Vincent Asiimwe finished third overall after edging Lambert Tumwesigye and Walter Tukahirwa on the first hole of sudden-death after they finished the 18 all-square.

Kigali Golf Resort and Villas claimed the overall inter-club golf challenge after the three legs played in Kigali, at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC), and in Entebbe.

Despite coming last in Entebbe, where they were represented by Celestine Ndagijimana, Olivier Ntambara, Andrew Kulayige, Simba Hundu, and Melisa Akangi, who collected 162 points, they had done enough in Kigali (210 points) to ensure they won overall with 563 points.

UGC, who collected 196 points in Entebbe, came second overall with 537 points, while Entebbe trailed with 512 points. UGC was represented by Nathan Mubiru, Martin Kivumbi, Ruth Akello, Justina Ichabala, and Sarah Nduhukire, while Entebbe was led by Peace Hellen, Arthur Arinaitwe, Lloyd Busuulwa, Dennis Kahindi, and David Batanda in the Entebbe event on Saturday.

Subsidiary results

Group A

Albert Gitta 35c/b

Joseph Adrapi 35

Group B

Nathan Mubiru 41pts

Dennis Kahindi 37c/b

Group C

Arthur Arinaitwe 41

Martin Kivumbi 38

Ladies Group A

Sarah Nduhukire 38

Jovia Tugume 34c/b

Group B

Peace Hellen 44

Ruth Akello 38

Seniors

Celestine Ndagijimana 36pts

Nearest to the pin

Bridget Basiima

Peter Apell

Longest drive

Lillian Koowe

Twinemanzi Tumubweinee