The Singleton Match Play Challenge officially teed off with over 218 golfers participating in the qualifying round of the tournament. The 218 were bidding to be part of the 64 pairs to battle it out on the green over the next seven months at the Entebbe Club for one of local golf’s most prestigious crowns.
Wendy Angudeyo (H/C 17) won ladies’ Group A on the day, posting 65 Nett, while Rita Akot Apell (H/C 21), 68 Nett came tops in Group B. In the mean’s category, Ibrahim Bagalana (H/C 5), 68 Gross claimed top position in Group A, as Collins Bulafu (H/C 13) – 69 Nett claimed Group B and Kenneth Kiddu (H/C 28) – 68 Nett (Countback) completed the winners’ list with his triumph in Group C.
Speaking to journalists during the tee off of the prize giving, Mr. Mark Ocitti, the Managing Director, Uganda Breweries Limited thanked all the golfers who showed up and encouraged them to keep up the spirit. “Your determination to go the distance in the series has enabled us have two successful editions already. This year will definitely be bigger and better with more to win and accomplish,” said Mr Ocitti.
Launched in 2017, at East Africa’s oldest golf club, the Entebbe Club, the Challenge has over time established itself as the most exciting and also one of the most competitive in Uganda. The Challenge will be played on a match play four ball better ball (4BBB) format, with the winning pairs from every month advancing to the next stage until the final in July. This year’s winning pair will enjoy a fully paid golfing trip to watch the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic. Some of the other prizes include a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2018 model staked by Victoria Motors for a golfer who manages a hole in one, DStv monthly subscription packages as well as weekend getaways at Serena Hotel, among others.
As is the Singleton Challenge tradition, after the prize giving at the 18th hole, golfers were treated to a Caribbean-themed 19th hole experience where legendary Maddox Sematimba provided the entertainment.
More than Shs660m has been committed to the Challenge by partners that include, CBA, DStv, Serena Hotels, RwandAir, HTC, Mitsubishi Motors, Afrisafe, Ekspreso, Pinnacle Security, and Street Club.