Namakula requires Shs236m to realise professional dream

KAMPALA- Uganda’s top female golfer Flavia Namakula has enjoyed a remarkable career both local and internationally, winning a series of titles that have ensconced her name in the pantheon of greats to have played the game in the country.
Now she faces her biggest career hurdle thus far – breaking barriers in becoming the first female professional golfer in the country.

As broken by Daily Monitor early this month, Namakula took the momentous decision to turn professional.

But the 29-year-old will require $70,000 (Shs236m) for the 10 months she intends to spend in the South Korean capital of Seoul to pursue her dream.

“I want to leave the country next month if all goes well,” Namakula said yesterday.
She has embarked on the search for sponsorship, and is not daunted by amount required to be raised in such a limited time.

Given the dedicated shifts she puts in everyday to better her game - be it on the range hitting hundreds of balls or the gym to improve her physical conditioning, Namakula is riding on a wave of positivity.

“It has been my dream to become a pro and play on the big tours. I am working hard in training and not forgetting the Almighty to help me as I take on this journey.”

Why South Korea?
South Korea does appear a curious choice to embark on this big leap in her career given the proximity and lesser costs South Africa would have provided but she defended her decision.

“I have a solid contact of John Kim, a Korea Golf Association Tournament Committee Member, who I am going to work with. But you also have to know that even the girls in South Africa with similar dreams end up going to the US.”
Namakula expressed gratitude to Gen Ivan Koreta and members of both Entebbe and Uganda Golf Clubs, who have supported her since she took up the game 11 years ago.

Yet you suspect their support is doubly needed as the six-time Uganda Sports Press Association Golfer of the Year enters the uncharted waters of a pro career.

NAMAKULA AT A GLANCE
Full Name: Flavia Namakula
Date of Birth: December 17, 1986
Place of Birth: Rubaga Hospital
Current Handicap: Scratch/Zero
Residence: Ganda - Nasana
Academics: Bachelor of Information
Technology, Makerere University
UPDAF Army Rank: Sergeant
Fairway percentage: 65
Tee-shot distance: 250-270 yards
MAJOR WINS
July 2008: Kenya Ladies Open
September 2010: Machakos Ladies Open
October 2010: Uganda Ladies Open
November 2011: Uganda Ladies Open
December 2011: MTN Mug of Mugs
June 2013: Best individual EACT, Lusaka
July 2013: MTN World Golfers title, Abuja
October 2014: Uganda Ladies Open
November 2014: Silver at World Military
Games in Bahrain CISM, Bahrain
July 2015: Uganda Ladies Open
October 2015: Bronze at World Military
Games, South Korea
HONOURS
Six-time Uganda Sports Press Association Female Golfer of the Year