The UGC Ladies Open 2023 is set to take place at the Kitante course in Kampala from Thursday, October 5th to October 7th. This tournament will see over thirty golfers, including a participant from Sweden, vie for top honors.
The main category of the event will feature 34 lady golfers, among them two-time winner Martha Babirye (2019 & 2021) and the reigning champion, Toro Club Lady Captain Peace Amooti Kabasweka.
Kabasweka expressed her excitement, saying, “I have been working on improving my overall game, and I am looking forward to the action on the course. It’s good to be back; this tournament is important to me as I aim to win the Uganda Ladies Open, which I have never won before. I would say I am competing with myself and the course – that is my mindset.”
Kabasweka has been in excellent form recently, securing a victory at the Namulonge Ladies Open and performing impressively in the Singleton Match Play Challenge alongside her partner, Sheila Kesiime.
This tournament serves as a precursor to the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open scheduled for October 12th to 14th. It provides an opportunity for lady golfers to familiarize themselves with the well-maintained course.
Martha Babirye, another two-time champion, is also a player to keep an eye on. She commented, “It’s a great tournament for me, and I am approaching it with simplicity, eagerly anticipating my first tee shot. It’s just me and the course.”
Babirye recently triumphed at the Coast Open in Mombasa, Kenya, and has displayed consistency leading up to this event. She also holds the title of Uganda Sports Press Association Lady Golfer of the Year 2022, alongside 2018 winner Irene Nakalembe, who has since turned professional.
Meron Kyomugisha, the winner of the Toro Ladies Open, is another golfer to watch as many aim for success in the East Africa Golf Challenge Trophy later this month in Kigali, Rwanda.
Other notable lady golfers participating in the event include Eva Magala, Gloria Mbaguta, Judith Komugisha, Sheila Kesiime, and Lillian Koowe.
The event’s sponsor, NCBA Bank Uganda, will offer a variety of prizes to the winners. Additional co-sponsors, such as Crown Beverages, Emin Pasha Hotel, Fairway Hotel, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Case Medical Services, will provide support and refreshments to the players throughout the tournament.
Lastly, there is a Tuk Tuk at stake on Hole 9 for any golfer who manages to score an ace.
