Uganda’s most prestigious golf tournament, the Tusker Malt Uganda Open will tee off on November 18, 2021, at the Entebbe Club. Now in its 80th stage, the championship will run until December 4.
The event’s title sponsor Tusker Malt Lager has injected over Shs300m in this year’s Open with a Shs100m kitty to be shared by the professional golfers.
Speaking to the media during a press briefing to announce the Open, Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Premium Beers Brand Manager at UBL revealed that this year’s tourney is expected to be the biggest undertaking ever, for the Tusker Malt Lager brand and the game of golf in the country.
“As Tusker Malt Lager, Uganda’s leading premium beer, we are honoured to continue our relationship with golf, arguably the finest sport there is. We are brewed for the finest and this year, we aim to set the benchmark for a premium experience both on and off the greens,” said Mutamuliza.
The par-71 golf course will be host to seven events in total namely; the Ladies Open, Seniors Open, Amateur Open, Par 3 Competition, Pro-Am, Professional Open and President’s Shield. The championship will also double as one of the Safari Tour legs as has been the case since 2019.
Uganda Golf Union President Moses Matsiko, revealed that an additional President’s Tournament will attract regional representatives and continue to harness the good relationship that Uganda has with its neighbours through golf.
Matsiko also revealed that the Open has got a green light from both the National Council of Sports and the Ministry of Health and will observe all Standard Operating Procedures to avert the spread of Covid-19.
“Most golfers and caddies have already received their jabs. Over 90 percent of the people who will take part in the Open will be vaccinated,” he said.
UGU Secretary Anthony Agaba will be the Tournament Director. He revealed that the Open expects over 300 participants across the Ladies’ Open, Amateurs and Pros. The Open has attracted players from several countries including USA, England, Japan, South Korea, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya among other countries.
Other sponsors are Absa, Britam, Pinnacle Security, NTV, Pepsi among others.
Summary of 2021 Uganda Open schedule
Ladies Open: 18th to 20th November
Seniors Open: 19th to 20th November
Par 3 Competition: 24th November
Amateur Open: 24th to 27th November
Pro-Am: 30th November
Professional Open: 1st to 4th December
President’s Shield: 4th December
2020 Uganda Open Golf Championship winners
LADIES: Martha Babirye (Uganda)
AMATEURS: John Lejirma (Kenya)
PROFESSIONALS: Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe)