Summary
– Uganda Golf Club hosts Captain’s Bell Tournament.
– Absa sponsors event with sh152 million.
– Top performers may receive international support.
– New committee led by Captain Paul Charles Rukundo.
– 40 professionals, 220 amateur golfers participate.
– Previous winners include Anne Abeja and Vincent Katusi.
– Marvin Kibirige wins professional category.
Uganda’s top golfers will be eyeing an opportunity to compete at international level by shining at this week’s Captain’s Bell Tournament that climaxes on May 18 2024 at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.
On top of several awards, including sh20m prize money for the professionals, top performers this weekend will be potential candidates to get support to play abroad. Absa has in the past three years, supported several Ugandan golfers to participate in the prestigious Magical Kenya Open, which is part of the European Golf Tour.
Absa sponsors event
Absa Bank Uganda has announced a sh152 million sponsorship package for the annual tournament that started Wednesday and concludes Saturday.
At the event, the new captain hosts the club members and introduces the new management team. The 2024/25 Committee is led by Captain Paul Charles Rukundo and his Vice Captain Jerry Owachi, who have been elected to lead the team.
The tournament has attracted 40 professionals and more than 220 amateur golfers.
“We are driven by our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering the growth and excellence of the sport in our community. We look forward to celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie on the green, as we continue to champion the Captain’s Bell tournament as a beacon of sporting tradition,” said Absa Uganda’s Managing Director Mumba Kalifungwa at the event launch recently.
Absa Bank Uganda was again the official sponsor of the 2023 Captain’s Bell Tournament that saw the former Uganda Ladies Golf Union President Anne Abeja and Vincent Katusi emerge overall winners in the amateur category.
Previous Winners
Katutsi, carded 66 nett to beat a strong field of 200 golfers and claim the overall Men’s title. Abeja, was in blistering form on the course with a eye opening round of 69 nett, to win the overall Ladies crown on the Day.
In the professional category, Marvin Kibirige emerged the champion of Captain’s Bell professional tournament after shooting an impressive six-under 138 over 36 holes.
The 22 year old from Mary Louise Simkins Golf Club had in the opening round equaled Uganda Golf Course’ par-72 course record of 63 after he shot 9 under par.
Abraham Ainamani came second with a score of 2 under par 70 with 142 strokes whereas Adolf Muhumuza with a level score of 145 as David Kamulindwa came third and fourth respectively while Silver Opio, was fifth with 3 over par 146 and last year’s winner, Deo Akope came sixth with 147 .
Richard Baguma, Philip Kasozi and Vincent Byamukama came seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.
Also among the notable winners was Next Media CEO, Kin Kariisa who impressed in division one, scoring an incredible 71 in the second runners up position in the men’s category.
Other winners
Nearest to the pin (ladies) -Annette Kiconco
Nearest to the pin(men)- David Mureithi
Longest drive(ladies)- Caroline Namutebi
Longest driver( men)- Tarzan Lubega
Guest winner(ladies)- Lilian Koowe
Senior ladies winner- Jennifer Opio
Seniors men’s runner up- Sam Byagagaire
Seniors men’s winner- Jackson Karyarugookya
Ladies group B 2nd runners up- Peace Muyege.
Men’s group A winner- Charles Mubiru
Overall winner(Ladies)- Anne Abeja
Overall winner(men) -Vincent Katutsi
