Shs50m boost as Entebbe Open joins Safari Golf Tour
Upgraded Showpiece. Entebbe Golf Open Tournament Director Jacob Byamukama (R), Uganda Golf Union vice president John Katto (C) and Castle Lite Brand Manager Robert Nsibirwa at the tournament’s official launch in Kampala yesterday. The landmark event tees off next week in Entebbe.
PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Golf. The Entebbe Open becomes the second event to join the Safari Tour in Uganda, a circuit that brings together the elite professional golfers in East & Central Africa.
KAMPALA. A few elbows could have clashed as Uganda and Kenya golf bodies agreed to grow the cast of events on the annual Safari Professional Tour.
Already, the Uganda Professionals Open in Kigo last month debuted on the Tour and so will the Entebbe Open next month as well as the Kitante Open come February 12-15, 2020. At Entebbe, it is almost time before tee-off and yesterday, sponsors Nile Breweries under brand Castle Lite announced a Shs50m package for the event.
“I salute Entebbe Club for the progress made thus far,” stated Castle Lite’s brand manager Robert Nsibirwa during the tournament launch yesterday. “We pledge continued investment in the sport more so now when the tournament is expected to host a huge number of regional players,” he added. Entebbe is fourth event on the 2019-2020 Safari Tour after events at Nyali Club and Royal Nairobi Club in Kenya sandwiched the Uganda Open. And professionals will score points in the race for slots to next year’s Magical Kenya Open, an event on the PGA European Tour.
“It’s important for Ugandan golfers to play in the route to the Kenya Open,” said Uganda Golf Union’s John Katto.
Entebbe will celebrate the tenth edition of this events by expanding it from a two-day event to a four-day showpiece from October 30 - November 2 at the par-71 course.
“So far 15 pros have registered for the event,” remarked Entebbe Club’s Marvin Kagoro. Besides Castle Lite, Absa and Pepsi are also partners in the event.
TOURNEY - NOTEBOOK
Edition: 10th
Venue: Entebbe Golf Club
Dates: October 30 - November 2
Serie: Safari Tour
Pros kitty: Shs40m (about $10,000)
Format: Stroke-play
Sponsors: Castle Lite, Absa, Pepsi
FORMER AMATEUR CHAMPIONS
Pros kitty: Shs40m (about $10,000)
2018: Emmanuel Moko (149 gross)
2017: Ronald Rugumayo (150 gross)
2016: Herman Mutebi (147 gross)
2015: Ronald Bukenya (143 gross)
2014: Nelson Simwa (286 gross)
2013: Allan Kateeba (43 points)
2012: Bonny Amale (38 points)
