Peace Kabasweka clinched her first-ever victory at the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Ladies Open with an outstanding and thrilling performance on Saturday.
Kabasweka, who led on both the first and second days, faced intense competition on the final day but maintained her composure to secure the title at the scenic Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
The dramatic victory came down to the final hole, where Kabasweka claimed the title with just a one-stroke lead over Tanzania’s Hussein Madina.
Defending champion Martha Babirye had to settle for 6th place with a total of 230 strokes (81, 74, and 75).
With the championship in her grasp, Kabasweka celebrated with fellow golfers and fans on the green, marking the end of her long-awaited triumph in a tournament that attracted some of the region’s top female golfers.
Kabasweka’s journey to her inaugural Uganda Golf Ladies Open title was a rollercoaster of skill, determination, and unwavering perseverance.
Throughout the three-day event, she showcased remarkable performance. She set the tone in the first round with an impressive score of 68.
Her second round saw her card a 75, and despite a slightly increased score of 78 in the third round, Kabasweka’s cumulative gross score stood at 221. Her final total-to-par (TTP) score was +5, ultimately securing her well-deserved victory.
Reflecting on the intense pressure she experienced during the tournament, Kabasweka admitted, “The pressure was overwhelming; I almost gave up on the course, but thankfully, I persevered.”
With a significant gallery following her, Kabasweka faced a challenging moment when she missed a crucial putt on hole number 14, thinking, “This is where I might lose the Open.”
However, her caddie’s unwavering support kept her going until the last hole.
Kabasweka’s fortunes turned on the 16th hole when she found the strength and confidence to finish strong.
In her own words, “My drive went off, and you all know that’s my strength, and I was just gambling. But I found strength on number 16, and from that point, I was unstoppable.”
Kabasweka expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who supported me; your confidence meant the world. I thank God for this long-awaited trophy, and I am beyond excited to finally win it.”
While Kabasweka’s victory rightfully took the spotlight, it’s essential to recognize the exceptional talent of Tanzanian Iddy Madina Hussein, who displayed consistent performance with scores of 73, 74, and 75, securing a close second place.
Evah Magala also delivered a commendable performance with scores of 74, 78, and 76, earning her a third-place finish.
Kabasweka’s triumph in the 2023 Uganda Golf Ladies Open is a testament to her unwavering determination and serves as an inspiration to golfers and sports enthusiasts. Her name is now etched in the tournament’s history.
In the seniors’ category, Steven Katwiremu emerged victorious in a sudden-death playoff, while Roza Mbilizi (Malawi) won the ladies senior category.
Next is the Amateurs’ tournament which tee off on Wednesday before the PRO-Am and the professionals’ categories later on.
