In an impressive three-year journey, Isaiah Mwesige, founder of AFRIYEA Golf Academy and a dedicated youth from Uganda, has steadfastly worked towards providing golf access and imparting life skills and environmental sustainability to children in his home country through the AFRIYEA Golf Academy program at Toro Club in Fort Portal. Isaiah, while actively seeking collaborative opportunities to expand golf in the ‘Pearl of Africa’ as dubbed by Winston Churchill in 1908, recently had the privilege of meeting Sarah Bennett, the 2022 Captain of the PGA of the UK and Ireland, alongside Kate Hughes, Colchester Golf Club Captain, and Ian Mullins. This encounter has sparked great excitement and hope for the future.
Renowned for her proactive approach and extensive coaching experience throughout Europe, Sarah Bennett has played a pivotal role in orchestrating diverse programs for children, particularly emphasizing the empowerment of girls through golf clinics. Her wealth of dedication and insight into the golf industry positions her as a profound source of inspiration for Isaiah. During their meeting, Isaiah seized the opportunity to narrate his tale of passion and unwavering determination to Sarah and her team. Together, they delved into potential avenues to bolster Isaiah’s endeavors in advancing the game of golf in Uganda, capitalizing on Sarah’s expertise and guidance. The exchange of ideas and insights in this gathering proved to be a fruitful encounter, laying the groundwork for potential collaborative initiatives that could drive positive change.
Isaiah Mwesige’s unwavering dedication to creating opportunities and fostering a love for golf among Uganda’s youth aligns seamlessly with Sarah Bennett’s mission to empower children through the sport. Their shared passion and commitment serve as a foundation for meaningful endeavors aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in Ugandan golf. In his ongoing quest to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations for this noble cause, Isaiah draws inspiration from encounters with influential figures such as Sarah Bennett, reinforcing the belief that dreams can be realized through perseverance and collaboration. The meeting with Sarah has not only propelled Isaiah’s vision forward but has also instilled in him a renewed sense of hope and motivation. As the journey unfolds, Isaiah Mwesige stands prepared to embrace every opportunity and confront challenges head-on in his pursuit of expanding the reach of golf in Uganda. Motivated by his interaction with Sarah Bennett, Isaiah remains resolute in making a positive impact on the lives of young Ugandans. His golf academy program, catering to thousands of children, extends its reach to various schools and communities, imparting not just golf skills but also essential values and life lessons that will shape their futures.
Sarah Bennett, a specialist coach, held the prestigious position of PGA Captain in 2022, succeeding Bernard Gallacher, an iconic Ryder Cup Captain and player. This is the highest honor in the industry, and Sarah is only the second female since 1901 to attain this position. The late Beverly Lewis, ironically Sarah’s first coach and mentor, was the first woman appointed. Furthermore, as of 2023, Sarah serves as the chair of WPGA and is deeply passionate about advancing the women’s game in all aspects.
‘The driver for me personally is for every golfer to experience that uncontrollable infectious smile during and a coaching session,’ said Sarah Bennett.
