The 2014 Tusker Malt Uganda Open officially teed off this morning at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
The Uganda Open Golf Championship 2014 has commenced this morning on the luscious grounds of the Uganda Golf Club.The tournament’s official practice session was conducted on Monday while the Pro-Am teed off on Tuesday.
Speaking at the tee off, Charles Ireland, the Group Managing Director, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) said that the efforts put into popularizing the game are paying off as shown by the calibre and size of the field at this year’s edition.
“Golf is fast becoming a lifestyle preference for a considerable number of Ugandans. As East African Breweries Limited and Tusker Malt, we are honored to be partnering with the Uganda Golf Union. The four editions that we have sponsored, have allowed us to support the development of the game, as well as connect with our customers by sharing in their passion and interests,” he said.
A raft of professional golfers, including those who turn out on the respected Sunshine Tour in South Africa are featuring in the par 71 tournament. TC Charamba, Teboho Sefatsa, Alan Michell and Farayi Chitengwa participated in the Pro-Am on Tuesday to acquaint themselves with the course.
After their rounds, the golfers were impressed with the level of preparation and the state of the course, promising to put up a spirited fight against the home based professionals.
Charles Ireland added that the presence of the Sunshine tour players at this year’s Open shows the stature that Uganda’s golf has attained over the years.
“When we first sponsored the Uganda Open three years ago, the game of golf was not as popular as it is today. The entries were not high either. Today, we have over 400 participants. That points to something; good leadership at the Golf Union as well as good relationships with regionals unions,” he explained.
The 2014 Tusker Malt Uganda Open has had the largest entry and has received the highest sponsorship of any tournament held in the country.
The professionals will play for a share of the UGX 100million that has been staked for their category.
The event which is the biggest on the Uganda Golf Union Calendar will have an art exhibition from Thursday to the closing day on Saturday.