UGU rolls out 2020 Uganda Golf Open schedule

Many people have lost their jobs or seen their incomes cut due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It hasn't been any different for sportsmen most of whom joined the unemployment rates that have increased across major economies as a result.

But with the resumption of sports amid the pandemic, some have since started earning from their talent as sport slowly rises from the effects of the pandemic.

East Africa golfers are among those that have slowly started getting their groove back, from the annual Safari Tour tournaments that started in Nairobi early this month.

Now, they will even be more excited to hear that this year's Uganda Open Golf Tournament will once again carry the biggest prize fund of sh100m from a single event on this season's Safari Tour.

This means a good number of professionals from the region and from all over Africa and the world will take interest in the Tusker Malt Lager sponsored event scheduled for December 3-6, at the Uganda Golf Club.

Since last year, the Uganda Open became part of the Safari Tour where the pros earn qualifying points to participate in the lucrative Magical Kenya Open. The highest-ranking pro for the Ugandan event will not only earn 75 points from the Uganda Open but will also pick a sh22m cheque.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in March, there have been no events until recently when a series of tournaments kick-started this season's Safari Tour in Nairobi, which was a welcome move for the professionals.

But, it is the ladies that will tee-off this year's three-in-one Uganda Open on November 26-28 at the same venue.

This year's event will be played over 11 days with 3 different categories of tournaments ranging from the ladies, amateurs and professionals.' events

Entrance fees for the different categories that can be paid by cash or electronically has been set at sh160,000 for the ladies open (Silver category) and sh100, 000 for the Bronze and Subsidiary categories respectively.

Participants in the main amateur event will part with sh250, 000 each while those to compete in the subsidiary event will pay sh200,000. The professionals participation fee is $100 (sh380,000) and or $31 (sh115,000) for the Safari Tour members while those who will play in the subsidiary category of this event will fork out sh200,000 as well.

Accreditation for the ladies event will begin on November 24 ahead of the official practice round the following day while that of the amateurs will commence on November 30, with the pros' one starting on December 2.

Only amateurs of handicap 9 and below are eligible to play in the main event over four rounds while ladies of handicap 18 and below will compete in the Silver category while those of handicap 19-36 will participate in the bronze category over 54 holes.

The events will be held under strict safe operating procedures to guard against the spread of COVID-19.

Uganda Open 2020 schedule

Ladies Open (Silver): Nov 26-28

Ladies Open (Bronze): Nov 27-28

Ladies Subsidiary (men): Nov 28