Golfers form pro society
Feb 17, 2006
UGANDAN golfers can now earn money from playing the game. They will realise their dreams under the newly formed Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), writes William Muwonge. <br>UPGA already has six registered players whose captain is three-time national amateur champion Deo Akope.
UGANDAN golfers can now earn money from playing the game. They will realise their dreams under the newly formed Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), writes William Muwonge.
UPGA already has six registered players whose captain is three-time national amateur champion Deo Akope.
The group also has Stephen Kasaija, winner of the inaugural stroke play championship last year, Uganda Open champion Charles Yokwe, Denis Anguyo and Godfrey Mande.
The stars joined the paid ranks in December after a brilliant spell as amateurs. The Uganda Golf Club teaching professional Sadi Atibu completes the list of UPGA registered players.
UPGA interim secretary Fabian Rwalinda, said the new development is the first step to take the Ugandan game to a more competitive level.
“It is important to make the first step, there is a lot of work to be done and we are ready for the challenge,†Rwalinda said.
UPGA will be launched with a series of activities including a 54-hole tournament to draw professionals from east Africa next month.
Former Uganda Golf Union (UGU) chief Jim Muhwezi is interim chairman of UPGA , the second of its kind in the region after the one in Kenya.
The interim vice chairman is Daniel Kagwe, treasurer is Fred Tumuheirwe. Akope is the captain.
Rwalinda said that for a start, the professionals will compete in eight to 12 tournaments this year.
“The domestic events will be part of a Uganda circuit but the players will compete regularly in the Kenya circuit as well,†Rwalinda said. He said that Akope and Yokwe are already entered in the Kenya Open which is incorporated on the European Challenge Tour.
UPGA already has six registered players whose captain is three-time national amateur champion Deo Akope.
The group also has Stephen Kasaija, winner of the inaugural stroke play championship last year, Uganda Open champion Charles Yokwe, Denis Anguyo and Godfrey Mande.
The stars joined the paid ranks in December after a brilliant spell as amateurs. The Uganda Golf Club teaching professional Sadi Atibu completes the list of UPGA registered players.
UPGA interim secretary Fabian Rwalinda, said the new development is the first step to take the Ugandan game to a more competitive level.
“It is important to make the first step, there is a lot of work to be done and we are ready for the challenge,†Rwalinda said.
UPGA will be launched with a series of activities including a 54-hole tournament to draw professionals from east Africa next month.
Former Uganda Golf Union (UGU) chief Jim Muhwezi is interim chairman of UPGA , the second of its kind in the region after the one in Kenya.
The interim vice chairman is Daniel Kagwe, treasurer is Fred Tumuheirwe. Akope is the captain.
Rwalinda said that for a start, the professionals will compete in eight to 12 tournaments this year.
“The domestic events will be part of a Uganda circuit but the players will compete regularly in the Kenya circuit as well,†Rwalinda said. He said that Akope and Yokwe are already entered in the Kenya Open which is incorporated on the European Challenge Tour.