Nzeyi woos golf no.1 McIlroy to visit Uganda
What you need to know:
Nzeyi, who was flanked by his sons Andrew and Alex Nzeyi, Dr Kato Sebbaale – the former UCA chairman and his wife plus Palm Valley member Lydia Mutesi, also met a handful of other world beaters including Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els, Joost Luiten and Thomas Bjorn
KAMPALA.
The world’s No.1 golfer Rory McIlroy could visit Uganda later this year, Daily Monitor has learnt.
In an exclusive interview with Amos Nzeyi, the former president of the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) revealed the development after meeting the world’s best golfer in United Arab Emirates two weeks ago.
Nzeyi had the once in a lifetime opportunity to share a round of golf with the Northern Irishman during the Pro-Am event of the European Tour season-opening Omega Dubai Desert Classic two weeks ago (January 28 – February 2) and forthwith made the most of it.
“I had watched and religiously followed the Desert Classic for the last three years,” revealed Nzeyi.
“My acts were out of admiration of the big stars and love for the game. So when I became UGU president I had to penetrate as I sourced out trainees and playing contacts for both our amateurs and budding professionals. And that’s how I got invited to play this year.”
In Nzeyi’s foursome round, there was also Omega official Adel Zarouni, the vice chairman of the Arab Golf Federation, who was hosted by the Palm Valley Golf Resort Kakungulu proprietor in Uganda for a wildlife tour last year. While in Uganda, Zarouni visited Kidepo National Park, Chobe Safari Lodge, White Horse Inn Kabale and the nine-hole Kabale Sports Club golf facility among others.
He also had a chance to see Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi National Park.
“I extended the same invitation to Rory and he was positive,” disclosed Nzeyi.
“He promised to work out a schedule with his caddie putting a Ugandan trip into perspective. He might not come next month but considering his simplicity I know he will come. He is a warm-welcoming person and so down to earth. I am going to work with the UGU so that we follow up his visit and make sure it happens.”
Nzeyi, who was flanked by his sons Andrew and Alex Nzeyi, Dr Kato Sebbaale – the former UCA chairman and his wife plus Palm Valley member Lydia Mutesi, also met a handful of other world beaters including Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els, Joost Luiten and Thomas Bjorn.
McIlroy lived up to his reputation by shooting 66, 64,66, 70 for an aggregate of 22-under to win the 26th edition of the annual meet that boasted of a truly classic field by three strokes over Swede Alex Noren.
