Seven-year-old Estephania Murungi emerged victorious in the Drive, Chip, and Putt Golf Challenge 2024 at Toro Club, clinching the overall title at the par-70 course. Murungi, a primary two pupil at Glory to Glory Education Centre, impressed with her performance, outshining 17 other young players in the category.
“I am so happy to win my first tournament and I will work hard to play more tournaments. I didn’t know that I had won until the time of the prize-giving because my fellows played good drives and putts too, and the competition was high. I am happy that I have turned my putting into a strong aspect of my game,” shared Murungi.
Her father, Don Murungi, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement and highlighted the positive impact of golf on her confidence and overall organization skills. “I have three children in the academy, and I couldn’t be prouder to see how golf has boosted their confidence. Their overall organization is something special they’ve learned from the academy. I believe they are just playing now, but I want to encourage and support them to play professional golf,” he said.
Points were awarded to participants, with Murungi securing 9/10 points, followed by Labason Ainomugisha with 8/10 points and Fahad Muhammad with 7/10 points.
The Afriyea Golf Academy’s junior golf camp, a comprehensive 4-week training program, offers children of all skill levels the opportunity to learn golf, life skills, and environmental sustainability knowledge. The camp culminates in a highly competitive golf tournament featuring various categories, including 18 holes, 9 holes, 3 holes, and a chip-and-putt competition.
Professional golfer and coach at Afriyea Golf Academy, Happy Robert, emphasized the developmental benefits of golf for children, highlighting its role in teaching integrity, social skills, and other valuable life lessons.
Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of Afriyea Golf Academy, commended the program for its inclusivity and its contribution to the personal and professional development of young participants. “Golf teaches a lot of transferable skills, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to positively impact young people,” he stated.
Results:
DRIVE Chip and Putt
Winner: Estephania Murungi, 7 years
Runner-up: Ainomugisha Labason, 4 years
1st Runner-up: Princess Zebiah Akello, 7 years
Winner 18 Holes:
Thaddeus Byaruhanga, 13 years with 67 net
Runner-up:** Byaruhanga Justus, 16 years with 68 net
1st Runner-up: Kirungi Richard, 16 years with 70 net
Winner 9 Holes: Marunga Jasmine, 12 years with 50 C/B gross
Runner-up 9 Holes: Kamanzi Elija, 13 years with 50 gross
1st Runner-up 9 Holes: Kabajuma Joyce, 11 years with 52 gross
Winner 3 Holes: Musoni Nathan, 7 years, 23 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
Runner-up 3 Holes: Musigyizi Alvin, 10 years, 24 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
1st Runner-up 3 Holes: Fahad Muhammad, 27 gross (playing forward tees on a par 5, 4, 3
Most Improved Player:** Kasiime Violet
Smartest Player in 4 Weeks:Rania Emmanuella Youngman
