- Event: 1st Pearl of Africa Golf Series
- Legs: Kampala, Entebbe, Lugazi
- Professionals’ prize fund: Ug.Shs 20,000,000 per leg
- Amateur Gross prize fund: Ug.Shs 5,000,000 per leg
The first edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf series is set to swing off on the 5th to 8th February 2025 at Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kampala city.
These series shall have the professional golfers as well as the top gross golfers which will be played at three different venues; Kampala (UGC), Entebbe (Entebbe club) and Lugazi (Lugazi Hills and Country Club).
The kitty for the professionals per leg played is Ug.Shs 20,000,000 to be distributed among the successful cluster that makes the cut whilst the amateur gross players will partake Ug.Shs 5,000,000.
Addressing journalists during the official launch for the Pearl of Africa Golf series at Uganda Golf Club on Tuesday, the chairman of the series Dr Edward Nyatia emphasized the essence of the initiative.
“The main objective for the Pearl of Africa Golf series is to promote professional golf. There is a lot of talent in this country who have not yet penetrated the big stage. We yearn to inspire the next generation of golfers” Dr Nyatia revealed.
Part of the agenda too is the need to foster environmental sustainability which has been included on the agenda.
“We are promoting good waste management through community clean ups, tree planting, proper solid waste management to champion environmental protection towards a cleaner living environment” he added.
Dr. Nyatia urged prospective sponsors to join the Pearl of Africa Golf Series and benefit from the leverage that comes forth with.
Legendary Golf professional golfer Deo Akope, also the chairman of Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) tagged the series as a dream come true.
“The Uganda Professional Golfers Association is happy to be part of these series. Such competitions are welcome and they will further improve our game. For me, it is a dream come true. This is the beginning of a big journey to be moved. We have 67 professionals at the moment and this is a great platform to have them regularly involved.” Akope revealed during a panel discussion.
Current top professional golfer in Uganda Ronald Rugumayo asserts that the series are long overdue.
“I am very glad that the Pearl of Africa series are here. We have not been playing enough tournaments. As professionals, you get experience and exposure through playing regularly. We need to work hard” Rugumayo, the only East African to make the treasured cut at the DP Magical Kenya Open in 2024 remarked.
Uganda Golf Club captain Paul Charles Rukundo and his counterpart from Lugazi Paul Nanduvathussery Joseph also spoke highly of these series.
“As Uganda Golf Club, we are privileged to be hosting the first leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf series. We are excited towards the whole arrangement, one that meant to improve golfers” Rukundo stated.
Nanduvathussery envisages the opportunity to host the final leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf series as a blessing; a dress rehearsal towards hosting the prestigious Uganda Open.
“To host the final leg of the Pearl of Africa series is a big honour for us. This will be like a precursor for the Uganda Open” Lugazi captain Paul Nanduvathussery Joseph hinted.
“Uganda is privileged to have golf courses. Long over-due. Encourage more young ladies to come to the game. Sponsors ought to come on board.” Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Member of Parliament Sheema Municipality also a trustee of Uganda Professional Golfers Association asserted.
Uganda has 67 professionals with three lady professionals; Flavia Namakula, Irene Nakalembe and lately Evah Magala.
There are a crop of young talented gross players from the different clubs in the country.
The reigning Uganda Amateur open champion Joseph Reagan Akena leads the cast of this specially talented cluster.
Others include Joseph Cwinya-ai, Ibrahim Bagalana, Titus Okwong, Michael Tumusiime, Ibrahim Ssemakula, Joseph Kasozi, Elton Thembo, Mufti Musinguzi and others.
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