The 2015 Tusker Malt Uganda Open concluded its first event, the Ladies Open, on Saturday.
With a strong field of over 60 golfers, Flavia Namakula emerged top to beat off competition from her closest rival Eva Magala. Right from Day One, she put up an impressive run, shooting and putting with ease to emerge top. Irene Nakalembe and Zambian Loyce Shingona came in 3rd and 4th respectively.
Having been restructured, the 2015 Tusker Malt Uganda Open is this time round is more inclusive and focused to enable the Ladies, seniors, Amateurs, Professionals as well as the juniors in participate in the tournament.
Speaking during a glamorous Tusker Malt themed awards dinner held at the golf club, Mrs. Grace Nshemeire Gwaku, the Marketing Director at Uganda Breweries Limited said that the 2015 event marks a new chapter for the sport in the country.
“The tournament has this year been refreshed with a series of categories to attract more participants and allow for skills transfer to help develop the sport. With the Ladies Union joining the Open, we believe that we are on the right track in as far as achieving that objective.” Mrs. Gwaku noted.
With Ladies teeing off first on Wednesday, the event lived up to its pre-tournament billing, providing nerve-cracking moments and impressive shots. Scoring was difficult as players adjusted to the tough conditions on the course with the favorites finding it difficult to break away from each other.
Pre-event favorite and defending champion, Flavia Namakula opened the tournament in second place with four over par in the first round as she trailed the first round leader Eva Magala. Her score would have been better had it not been for a fault on Hole One where she recorded eight shots.
Day two found Namakula in a tie for first place with Eva Magala with Irene Nakalembe and Zambia’s Loice Chingono in close pursuit as competitiveness grew to mask out a tough pressure group going into the final day.
Tensions and emotions run high in the final day tee off as the ladies pressure group turned on all their skills in an impressive display of golfing action.
And as the 18th and final hole came round, so did Namakula’s assurance of winning the coveted prize for a the fourth time.
The course and holes did not make anything easier as many struggled to find and maintain a rhythm. However this did not stop Flavia Namukula from claiming the coveted prize and at a very close second place going to Eva Magala and finally third place to Irene Nakalembe the players commended the organization of the event and the ever growing numbers that boosted competition.
With a sponsorship commitment from Tusker Malt Lager, the level is expected to be greater in 2016.