Leaderboard – Top Five
- Godfrey Nsubuga – 275 (-13)
- Ibrahim Bagalana – 279 (-9)
- Joseph Cwinyaai – 284 (-4)
- Michael Tumusiime – 296 (+8)
- Joseph Kasozi – 296 (+12)
Godfrey Nsubuga etched his name in the history books after winning the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open Amateur title in a championship record on Saturday at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
Nsubuga carded 275 with an impressive 13-under-par to win his maiden title on four strokes in a classy field that also included previous winner Joseph Cwinyaai (3rd).
And he won it with a stylish no-look putt on hole 18 where he was then swamped by his fellow golfers and friends to spark of celebrations that continued through the night.
It was a gruelling, eventful and intense four-day tournament, but one the Mehta Golfer will never want to forget easily.
Following his triumphant win, Nsubuga expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank God, the Mehta Family, Uganda Golf Club, and the entire Uganda Golfing fraternity.”
“This has not been just a four-day preparation,” Nsubuga noted. “It has been a long-term preparation. I joined as a member of Uganda Golf Club this year with a target of developing, and I have been practicing here, which has become home. I have been playing here for a while, and that advantage has helped me up my game.”
He also highlighted his positive mindset and confidence, stating, “I have been very positive about myself because what I have done here I have done it before in Kenya this year. I have been very positive. It’s not a surprise, though I did not expect to play that many unders.”
Nsubuga’s skill on the green was also a critical factor in his victory. “I am a good putter,” he said, “but my putt was completely off on Day Three, but I managed to play level par. And today I had to change the ball because of the texture of the green, and I am happy that it has worked for me.”
On Day One, Nsubuga opened with a remarkable round, scoring 65 and finishing the day at 7 strokes under par.
The following day, he continued his strong play, carding a 69 and lowering his score to 10 strokes under par.
Nsubuga faced some challenges on the third day, scoring a 72, which kept him at an even par.
And on the final day, he showed his resilience and skill, carding a 69 again and ending the tournament at an impressive 13 strokes under par.
The final day of the tournament showcased Nsubuga’s true prowess, as he secured his victory with birdies on holes three, five, eight, fifteen, and sixteen, while facing a few setbacks with bogeys on holes 9 and 11.
Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries, reiterated Johnnie Walker’s unwavering support for golf in Uganda, underscoring the enduring partnership between UBL and the sport.
“These past few days have been incredibly exciting! At Johnnie Walker, our commitment to golf in Uganda is steadfast. Singleton and Tusker Malt Lager, our brands, have long been pillars of support for golf in the country,” said Kilonzo.
“Now, Johnnie Walker has embraced the role of fostering a lasting relationship with Ugandan golf, and our dedication won’t waver.”
In addition to the golf action on the course, Johnnie Walker created an immersive experience at the hospitality village. Attendees had the chance to explore the whisky’s iconic production process, from blending and aging to tasting. Moreover, guests were given the opportunity to engrave personalized messages on Johnnie Walker bottles, adding a memorable touch to the event.
The 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is set to return next week with the Pro-Am and the Professionals Open, concluding an exhilarating chapter in this year’s tournament.
