The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open 2023 came to a riveting end on Saturday, at the 72 Par Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
Kenya’s legendary golfer Dismas Indiza took the honours after scoring a total gross of 277, in 72 holes (11 under par), to win the Professionals Open title for a record 7th time.
Indiza, who teed off on Saturday (the final day), trailing the leader of the first three days- Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo by three strokes, displayed an impressive mix of aggression, precision, and composure, right from his first three holes of the final round.
He opened with an eagle on the par-5 hole one and followed up with consecutive birdies on holes 2 and 3. His remarkable form saw him collect a total of six birdies, eight pars, an eagle, and three bogeys. While he collected amazing scores on all long holes, Indiza seemed to have a challenge navigating the short par-3 holes, as he collected bogeys on holes 9, 11 and 17.
“When I finished with a -2 lead, I did not know I would be the champion. Rugumayo had put up very good form, yet he still had a couple of holes to play, so I thought he would catch up, or may be even bring a better score,” Indiza said.
Rugumayo, who had steadily led the first three rounds of the tournament, struggled to maintain his form on the final day, ultimately finishing with 280 strokes (-8), and tying in second place with Namibia’s Paulino Kasoma. Ugandan golfer Phillip Kasozi was impressive as he climbed to finish in fourth place on the final day, with a score of 282.
Indiza’s win brought to an end an exciting four blissful weeks of incredible golf, and the title sponsors- Johnnie Walker, went all out to make the affair a memorable one for golfers and golf enthusiasts.
Shortly after crowning Indiza and handing him the Johnnie Walker Professionals Golf Open 2023 trophy, at the apron of the 18th hole, guests quickly changed into the 19th hole theme- black and gold.
The evening kicked off with a sumptuous dinner, that guests enjoyed against soothing live entertainment from Myko Ouma and Joseph Sax.
Speaker after speaker applauded the Uganda Golf Union and the Uganda Golf Club, for the great organization over the four weeks of the biggest golf tournament in the country.
Moses Matsiko, the President of the Uganda Golf Union hailed golfers for participating in every category of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open 2023. He thanked the sponsors, led by the anchor sponsor- Johnnie Walker, Absa Bank, Case Medical, Medisell, HH, HK Properties, and Pinnacle Security, for the remarkable investment into The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open 2023.
Matsiko, and the Chief Guest- former Uganda Golf Union President, and Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda- Kiryowa Kiwanuka, presented all sponsors with certificates, as a token of appreciation for their support.
When the time for prize giving came, all winners were presented with accolades and Johnnie Walker gift hampers labeled; the Gift of Big Flavor.
But there was something even more spectacular; the gifts of the professionals’ winners had a congratulatory message from Uganda Breweries Ltd, and their names engraved on to the bottles.
The gesture marked the launch of the Johnnie Walker Gifting campaign, an initiative that affords whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to choose the gift of big flavour- Johnnie Walker, as the perfect gift to give to their loved ones this festive season.
Upon purchasing a Johnnie Walker bottle, it will be customised/ personalised with a photo, a personal message, or a name, just like they did for the winners.
Before inviting the guest of honour, the UBL Managing Director- Andrew Kilonzo, urged guests to embrace the gift of big flavour this season; “Johnnie Walker is joining in the merry-making this season, by ensuring that you have the perfect gift to give to your friends and loved ones. Please get the gift of big flavour, and we shall customize it for your loved ones to your liking,” he said.
In his speech, the Guest of Honor- Jimmy Mugerwa, the board chairman of Uganda Breweries Ltd, emphasized the organization’s commitment to growing the game of golf, and the importance of inspiring young people to join the sport.
“Tonight, I would like to reiterate that it is our collective responsibility to make the game of golf more accessible for all aspiring players. The Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open is not only about celebrating the professionals, but also about nurturing the talents of tomorrow,” Mugerwa said.
Attorney General- Kiryowa Kiwanuka on the other hand, emphasized the government’s commitment to secure all sports facilities, to ensure they are utilized for the intended purpose.
He highlighted the revamping of the Masaka golf course and an order for encroachers to vacate the Soroti golf club, as some of the most recent milestones.
As the official business of the evening came to an end, a few individuals were presented with personalised Johnnie Walker bottles, as a symbolic way to launch the gifting campaign.
Mr Kiroywa Kiwanuka, Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda- Rtd. General George Owino, Uganda Golf Club Trustee Edward Kabuchu, and the Uganda Golf Union President Moses Matsiko were among those who received the gift of big flavour.
The last official function was the handover of the Uganda Golf Club course by the UGU President, and the Attorney General, back to the Uganda Golf Club Captain- Mr Emmanuel Wamala, before announcing that the Entebbe Club would host the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open.
With the official proceedings out of the way, the dance floor came alive with Myko Ouma and his band, taking guests, on a musical journey with different jams from the 90s to date.
On the other hand, the vibe was different at Johnnie Walker hospitality village, as NRG Radio took charge with a lineup of DJs that kept the audience on their feet with amazing mixes.
The zone also had mixologists who made sure the guests enjoy the flavorful world of Johnnie Walker.
The 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open drew players from over 15 countries, including China, Germany, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Rwanda, among others.