Babirye, Nakalembe lead ladies charge as Uganda Open starts

Aug 28, 2019

Going by recent form, the three are the front runners that will try to wrestle the title from Tanzania Arusha Gymkhana Club’s Neema Olomi who won the event in Entebbe last year.

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort's Martha Babirye, Entebbe Club's Irene Nakalembe, and Tooro Golf Club's Peace Kabasweka lead Uganda's charge in pursuit of the Castle Lite Uganda Open ladies title as the tournament starts today at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa.
 
Going by recent form, the three are the front runners that will try to wrestle the title from Tanzania Arusha Gymkhana Club's Neema Olomi who won the event in Entebbe last year.
 
But they are up against one of the biggest foreign entries in the annual tournament that has attracted 31 foreign entries in the main event. The main event will be contested for by 68 golfers of handicap 0-18.
 
Kenya leads the number of foreign entries with 23 players; Tanzania has 6, Sweden 1 while Nigeria has 2.
 
The 54-hole competition was officially set in motion today with Uganda Ladies Golf Union president Eva Magala announcing that the event is a world ranking event.
 
"This is a special open for the ladies in Kigo and many foreign players have subscribed because the top players from the event will get world amateur golf ranking points for the first time," Magala said.
 
"I would like to thank Serena for the beautiful course and the sponsors for all they have offered for this event to happen. We are also going to take our golfers on a boat cruise to Bulago Island."
 

 Babirye will play the Uganda Open Ladies tournament on her home course. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

Brand Manager Castle Lite Maureen Komugisha officially teed off the tournament alongside other representatives from other co-sponsors; Serena, NTV, Liquid Telecom and thanked the other co-sponsors; Absa, UTB, Britam, Pepsi, Isuzu, Minet and Time Cop Security for making the event a success.
 
Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria president Eranem Ekwueme who led a team of two also participated in the official tee-off that will have another 52 golfers competing in the ‘bronze category' (handicap 19-36).
 
UGU president Innocent Kihika said they were excited to see the tournament begin with a number of foreigners showing interest.
 
"The course is in very good shape, the weather is beautiful and we are sure it is going to be a very good tournament," John Katto the tournament director said.
 
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort's golf director Thedoor Van Rooyen said hosting such big events is what they envisioned when they started construction of the course.
 
"The course is intimidating from the start with all the water around but when you get used and play sort of a conservative game you start enjoying it,"
 
"I think the biggest test over the next two weeks will be on the players' short game because we have tried to put our greens to international standards and overall, the maintenance team has done great work to ensure we can showcase what a great facility we have in Uganda," Theodor stated.

 

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