By Our Reporter
Uganda National Team Captain, Joseph Cwinyaai, was on Saturday crowned winner of the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Open Golf Championship, at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Cwinyaai, who had held second place behind Zambia’s Dominic Musonda through the first three rounds of the tournament, finally broke free from his shadow during the final round, to claim his second Open title.
At the end of it all, Cwinyaai posted an overall 10-under 274 (67, 68, 72, 67), against Musonda’s 7-under- 277 (65, 69, 71, 72).
Cwinyaai’s impressive 4-under 67 in the final round highlighted his consistency and sharp short game, with crucial birdies, as Musonda had to settle for a 1-over 72, after dropping a couple of shots.
In the decisive round, Cwinyaai, who was trailing Musonda by two shots, quickly cut the Zambian’s overall lead to just one shot, after the latter dropped a shot on the first hole. The two tied on hole 2 after Cwinyaai birdied.
A birdie on hole 4 ensured that Musonda, who’s in Uganda for the first time, regained his lead, only for Cwinyaai to level up after a birdie on hole 6. A birdie on hole 9 put Cwinyaai in the lead by a stroke.
It was hole 10 that sealed the affair for Cwinyaai; the Uganda National Team Captain returned another birdie, to lead by four strokes, while Musonda picked a bad double bogey.
But the Zambian was not done yet! He put up a fight, by reducing Cwinyaai’s lead to three shots, after birdieing hole 11, which holds the record for the longest fairway in Africa.
But Cwinyaai proved he was determined to win, by birdieing the next hole, to reinstate his four-shot lead. At that moment, the headline was written; The Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Open Golf Championship trophy was staying on home soil.
“This victory is special, because last year I lost by a single shot to the homeboy of this club, so winning at his home course gives me even more courage to keep pushing,” Cwinyaai said.
“I struck the ball so well, it gave me peace and confidence in what I was chasing. Even when I almost lost it in the third round, I stayed patient, focused on regulation play, and trusted the plan with my technical team and caddie. Once my putting was on, I knew I could take on anyone,” Cwinyaai added.
Musonda, on the other side, has held his chin high, and said he is looking forward to next week’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship. The top 10 amateurs from the amateur event will be drawn in the professionals tournament.
“I gave it my best this week, and even though it wasn’t the result I wanted, I take a lot of positives from my game. I’m looking forward to the Professionals Open next week.” Said Musonda.
Meanwhile, Abdul Kaleeto and Anthony Otukei tied for third, with an overall gross score of 287, a shot ahead of last year’s winner- Joseph Reagan Akena, who rallied from behind to secure fifth position.
Rogers Eyoyo finished fifth off 291, a shot ahead of Godfrey Kambale and Ibrahim Ssemalula who tied for eighth. Peter Tumusiime and Peter Mayende tied for 10th with 295.
Former Uganda Golf Union President, Moses Matsiko was chief guest at the 19th hole experience. He thanked the sponsors, especially the title sponsor- Johnnie Walker, for standing behind the game of golf and for believing in its growth in Uganda.
“Without partners like you, we would not be able to stage tournaments of this magnitude. Your contribution goes beyond golf; it inspires communities and nurtures future talent,” Matsiko said.
Matsiko read out a message form the UGU trustee- the Depuuty Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who thanked Lugazi Hills for supporting golf. “You’ve done so well in promoting this game and creating a home for golfers. Your commitment is commendable and will leave a lasting legacy for the sport,” Tayebwa’s message read.
UGU President Dr. Jackson Were echoed the same sentiments, stating that the growth of golf in Uganda relies on clubs like Lugazi Hills, that continue to invest in the sport and create platforms for players to shine.
Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, applauded the Open for capturing the true spirit of progress, resilience, and celebration, adding that it perfectly reflects the Keep Walking spirit at the heart of the brand.
“The last three weeks have been nothing short of amazing. It has been a big flavorful experience from the seniors, ladies, all the way through to the amateurs. To all the players, we see you and we celebrate you. Remember there is only one thing to do in life: Keep Walking, no matter what,” she said.
The 19th hole was a lively affair, hosted by Timothy Code, blending sport with vibrant entertainment, as Melvyn DJ treated guests to live music mixes that kept them on their feet.
The 19th hole also featured signature Johnnie Walker cocktails, showcasing sweet, spicy, fruity, and smoky flavors. True to Johnnie Walker’s signature celebratory style, the day’s winners, and whisky lovers alike, had their bottles engraved with personalized messages.
Up next in the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, is the Professionals Open scheduled for next week- September 10-13th. This will be the final event of the four-week tournament.