The Uganda Open Golf Championship 2013 has commenced this morning on the luscious grounds of the Entebbe Golf Club as the defending champion battles it out for top honours in the company of 2011 and 2009 winners in what is expected to be a tough tournament.
The 71st edition of the Uganda Open, which is the premium event on the Uganda Golf Union calendar, was officially teed off by Mrs. Grace Nshemeire Gwaku, Uganda Breweries Limited Marketing Director.
Top golfers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all teed off this morning at 8:00am in a battle for a share of the UGX 30 Million prize money set aside for the elite golfers. The tournament has brought together over 200 golfers from the East-African region comprising amateur players who will compete in the subsidiary event and over 40 professionals who will compete in the main event this thrilling and gruelling four-day competition.
Speaking after officially teeing off the tournament, Uganda Breweries Limited Marketing Director said “This year, the Uganda Open has generated much enthusiasm amongst Uganda golfers and international names and Tusker Malt Lager is proud to be sponsoring the event for the 3rd time as it grows bigger and better”.
Tensions were high as Phillip Kasozi the defending champion teed off to a strong start and he will be keen to watch during the 4 day tournament. Key names to look out for this year include Rogers Byaruhanga, Adolf Muhumuza, Willy Kitatta and Gideon Kagyenzi who will all be battling for the top honour.
“To all the golfers who will participate this year, we wish you all the best. May the best man win”, she added.
Mr. Amos Nzeyi, President of the Uganda Golf Union wished luck to all the golfers participating in this year’s tournament and thanked the regional golf fraternity for sending their representatives to the Uganda Open.
“I acknowledged Tusker Malt Lager’s support for the golfing fraternity in Uganda and hope that this partnership continues in the future”, he added.
The Uganda Open 2013 will be rounded off with a podium prize-giving ceremony for the top three at the 18th hole on the final day of the championship followed by a celebratory dinner to honour all the participants which will be hosted by Tusker Malt Lager in association with the Uganda Golf Union.