The pair of Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly ‘Sober’ Mukasa were in luck after earning a wild card into the 2018 Singleton Challenge as qualifiers closed on Saturday at the Entebbe Club. An impressive field of 220 golfers (110 pairs) had signed up for the 2018 edition, the second year of a tournament that is quickly turning out as one of local golf’s most sought-after competitions.
There was, however, space for only 128 golfers (64 pairs) and the amateur pair of KK/Mukasa can be grateful for getting a second chance having missed out during the qualifying round that teed off January 13. The pair had defied all odds to make it to the semi-final stage in the inaugural Singleton Challenge last year, and will now join 63 other pairs when the first round of proper tournament action tees off on Saturday February 17.
After a day of stirring action, Peter Mungoma won in Group C of the men’s category with a nett of 66 and N/C 19. He was rewarded with a trophy and a dinner for two at Serena Hotel. The other winners in the men’s category included Joel Basalaine (nett 68 and N/C 00), and Entebbe Club chairman Dr. Tumubweinee Twinemanzi with a nett of 69 and N/C 12.
Irene Nakalembe won in Group A of the ladies category with 68nett and N/C 03 to earn herself a dinner for two at Serena Hotel while Jovia Tugume won in Group B with a nett 73 and N/C 30.
As has become the tradition, the Singleton Challenge match days conclude with an exciting 19th hole experience, and if last Saturday’s Caribbean-themed party is anything to go by, local golfers are going to have a memorable 2018 season. Hosted by Patrick Idringi aka Salvador, the comedian was in top form as he left everyone in stitches with his jokes while they sipped on Singleton.
Uganda Breweries’ Human Resource Director Florence Bamwine lauded the golfers for making the Singleton Challenge one of unforgettable moments and confirmed the grand prize of an-all expenses trip to watch the Dubai World Championships for the winning pair. With more sponsors coming on board, there are more prizes than last year, including DStv’s offers of three months and one year subscriptions to lucky winners, accommodation/treats at Serena facilities, business class tickets on Rwandair as well as a hole-in-one prize of a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport from Victoria Motors. Other sponsors include Pinnacle Security and Ekspresso, who provide the refreshments at the halfway house.
“The first edition was a run-away success, and from what we have seen today, the second edition will be an even bigger success. All we can promise every golfer is an unforgettable experience until we wind up in July,” said UBL’s Head of Whisky Portfolio Anne Nakiyaga.
The tournament is played on a match play four ball better ball format, with the winning pairs from every month advancing to the next stage until the final in July.