Uganda Open Tour starts with a bang as Koowe and Odere win

Apr 01, 2019

Playing off handicap 18, Odere returned 69nett to lead the men’s field

 
Charles Odere and Lilian Koowe will encounter the second leg of the Castle Lite Uganda Open Tour in Mbale next week in a more relaxed mood after topping the first leg at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.
 
Playing off handicap 18, Odere returned 69nett to lead the men's field while handicap 24 player, Koowe carded 71nett to win herself free accommodation (bed and breakfast) for two days at the Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale town; the official hotel for the Mbale tour on Saturday, just like men's winner Odere.
 
Addressing golfers after the Serena tournament, Uganda Golf Union president Innocent Kihika said the tours was another innovation for the open and will act as a build up to the Uganda Open in August.

 Lilian Koowe (left) receives the overall winner's trophy from Barclays Bank's Annette Kiconco (right) after the Serena leg of the Uganda Open Tour, March 30, 2019. Left is Nile Breweries Francis Nyende. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

 
"We are going to have six consecutive months of golf ahead of the open and we are going to partner with the top hotels in all regions to offer discounted rates to the golfers during the tours. There will also be a free luxury tour bus for golfers to all the tour destinations," Kihika stated before announcing that defending champion Ronald Otile would be granted permission by his college to return and defend his title.
 
He also announced a galaxy of sponsors led by tour sponsors Uganda Tourism Board, alongside Britam, Time Cop, Minet, Lake Victoria Serena, and Pepsi.
 
"I'm humbled by the support and confidence you have put in the union and we promise we shall ensure you get all the value for money," Kihika said.
 
Uganda Golf Club took the team trophy award after collecting 73 points on Saturday. Entebbe picked 19 points while West Nile Golf Club, Tooro, Palm Valley and Serena got 18, 10 and 5 points respectively.
 
UTB's Marketing Manager Claire Mugabi crowned UGC and pledged more support to the sport.
 

 Cindy and her dancers entertain golfers after the Castle Lite Golf Tour opening round at Serena-Kigo. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

"We are delighted to join the UGU in promoting golf. The market for golf is growing internationally and the sport has curved out a niche market for itself and the numbers are growing every day. It is for that reason that we have seen increased investment in the sport and it is for that reason that we pledge our support to the game to ensure it continues to grow to attract more players to it," Mugabi noted.
 
At the 19th hole, the G-Force Dance Force and Cindy entertained the golfers with lively performances.
 
Castle Lite Uganda Open Tour Schedule
 
April 6-Mbale Golf Club
 
April 27-Tooro Golf Club
 
May 4-Namulonge
 
May 18-Mehta Golf Club
 
June 15-Jinja Golf Club
 
July 20-Mbarara Golf Club
 
August 10-Entebbe Golf Club
 
August 17-Uganda Golf Club
 
Serena Leg results
 
Overall winners
 
Men: Charles Odere 69nett
 
Ladies: Lilian Kowe 71
 
Group A
 
Brian Rwabwogo 69
 
Ashraf Bagalana 70
 
Stephan Krisch 71
 
Group B
 
Peter Kisembo 70
 
Gen Gier 71
 
Samson Agamire 72
 
Group C
 
Dickson Agaba 71c/b
 
Patrick Drate 71
 
Nathan Mubiru 72
 
Group A-Ladies
 
Wendy Angudeyo 72
 
Irene Nakalembe 77
 
Group B
 
Jackie Kamunyu 72
 
Annette Nakiyaga 77

 

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