Sponsorship-laden Golf Open beckons

Sunshine Tour golfer Kasozi will be one of Uganda’s hopes. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

Kampala- The priorities for sponsorship and corporate social responsibility by companies run towards health campaigns, charity events, social gatherings like music concerts and the common goat race. So it is quite difficult to imagine a big sporting event with a catalogue of sponsors.

The 2018 edition of the Uganda Golf Open is set to witness one of its biggest financial banking come September.

With Nile Breweries’ brand Castle Lite announcing Shs400m sponsorship for the three-in-one Open with a Shs190m ($50000) set for the pros’ purse, there are seven more partners lined-up.

“There is a lot of pressure on my side to deliver a successful event this year,” Uganda Golf Union president Innocent Kihika admitted in a recent interview.

Besides Castle Lite, Time Cop Security, Ernest & Young, Barclays Bank, Britam Insurance, CBA Bank, Jumia Food and Serena Hotels are all in to back the the 68th Ladies Open from September 12-15, to the 76th men’s Amateur Open on September 18-22 and the men’s 12th Professional Open due September 25-29.

“We plan to protect the stakeholders’ interests’ particularly the sponsors for a successful event,” Kihika noted.

“There are several mini events during the open and first time events like the par 3 challenge. There will be prize giving ceremonies at the end of each day and a car for the hole in one for each tournament,” he added.

LADIES ROLL OF HONOUR

SIDE BETS
Nearest to the pin.
To be played every day of the competition.
Hole-in-one.
Shall be played on all par-3 holes every day.
Longest drive.
Only Amateur Open.
Putting challenge.
Shall only be played for the Ladies Open.
Chip & Putt competition.
Also restricted to the ladies. Chance to chip 3 balls to green and putt once