Ugandan golfers braced for Pearl of Africa Golf Series

What has been a chronic lack of competitive tournaments, especially for professionals, is now a thing of the past following the launch of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series (POA) at Kitante on Tuesday.

The professionals and top amateur golfers can now brace themselves for one of the most vibrant and busy calendars, with an additional three events that will come with a total kitty of sh75m.

The event, which starts at Kitante from February 5-8, will have over 60 Ugandan professionals and over 50 gross amateurs fighting it out for sh20m and sh5m, respectively, at each outing, with only the top twenty and top five players, respectively, partaking of the cash.

From Kitante, the event will head to Entebbe in April before the final round of the series at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club in July.

Addressing the media during the launch, POA chairman Dr Edward Nyatia said the objective of the series is to promote golf since there is a lot of talent that has not penetrated the big stage.

“We believe that the series will help them position themselves so that they can compete at the highest stage and so that they can inspire the next generation of golfers from the different clubs and academies,” Nyatia said.

He said the tournament will also be used to foster environmental sustainability and help in the fight against environmental degradation by promoting waste management and environmental awareness at every outing of the event.

“We shall also drive community engagement through partnerships with the young golfers and create awareness about the importance of golf and environment conservation.”

“The series is also going to provide a competitive platform, exposure and opportunities for professional golf and for sponsors to connect with a premium audience, showcase their brands and align them with the values of sustainability and community impact,” Nyatia stated.

He said the communities will have greater access to the sport and involve initiatives that promote well-being and environmental stewardship. “Let’s make the POA series a landmark event that inspires, connects and creates lasting change.”

The Pearl of Africa Golf Series chairman Edward Nyatia addresses the press during the launch of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at Kitante, on January 28, 2025. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

Uganda Golf Club captain Paul Rukundo noted that the tournament will help inspire young people who have taken up the sport.

“This will be a great opportunity to showcase the skills we have got in our lovely country because the pros have been given an opportunity and should take advantage. It also offers us an opportunity to showcase the beautiful golf courses we’ve got across the country,” Rukundo said.

N.J. Paul, the captain of Lugazi, said the third leg of the event will act as a precursor for the Uganda Open, which they will also host in Lugazi at the end of August.

Deo Akope, the Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) chairman, said the tournament was a dream come true that had only taken long to take off. He said the event will now help them gauge themselves in a competitive setting.

“We thank the organisers for starting us off towards a long journey, and we are happy to be part of this series,” Akope noted.

Ronald Rugumayo, another professional, said the event will help them gain further experience and exposure and will tune them to work hard now that they have something to look out for.

Dickson Kateshumba, one of the trustees of the UPGA, said the event was long overdue because the global tourism market is about $26b, which Uganda needs to tap into using golf since the country has the golf courses and the talent to promote it.

“We need events like this to encourage people to come up,” Kateshumba said before he encouraged more women to join the sport. He also thanked the organisers.

Mark Namanya, who handles the publicity and communications of the event, said the tournament is aimed at enhancing a vibrant golf calendar for both professionals and top amateur golfers.

“They have the best skill set, and the only way you can elevate them is by having a vibrant calendar. There have been a few tournaments in between months, and yet we have the courses and good golfers who have tremendous ability,” Namanya noted.

He said that for a start, there will be three events this year, beginning with the one at Kitante before the second outing in Entebbe in April and the last one at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club in July.

He said the Pearl of Africa Golf Series is going to be used to champion various other causes, including waste management, environmental protection, conservation and sustainability.

“We think we can use the game to champion a clean, healthier and safe environment for us all. That is why we intend to engage many stakeholders because it is a sport that promotes serenity and cleanliness,” Namanya stated.