The Uganda Golf Union has received a significant boost in its efforts to promote junior golf development, thanks to a generous donation of equipment from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the global governing body of golf.
The handover ceremony took place at the Union’s main office in Kitante, where Dr. Jackson Were, President of the Uganda Golf Union, officially received the equipment.
The equipment, shipped from Iran, is specifically aimed at fostering the growth of junior golfers in Uganda.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Dr. Were underscored the importance of utilizing the equipment effectively for training young golfers and highlighted the need for accountability in its use.
“We hope that you will put this to proper use and at some point, we’ll be expecting you to give some form of accountability in terms of reports on the juniors you’ve trained. We are very cognizant of the fact that we have to identify a clear path of growth,” Dr. Were stated.
The donated equipment is expected to significantly benefit junior golfers, enabling many to progress to the national junior team.
Rogers Ssali, a junior coach, expressed his gratitude to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club for the donation.
He emphasized the challenges faced in training young golfers without proper equipment, noting, “You cannot explain to a kid to play like the way you explain to an adult. So, if we have some training aids, it is better.”
Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of Afriyea Golf Club in Fort Portal, also received equipment and expressed the union’s excitement and commitment to utilizing it for junior development.
“The importance is ensuring the kids are learning the game and the right values, protecting the environment because if we don’t track it, it’s about protecting the environment. They won’t have this process in the right environment in the right conditions,” said Mwesige.
Looking ahead, the prestigious Uganda Golf Open Series is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 7, 2024, at the Par-71 Entebbe Club.
The series will feature juniors, ladies, seniors, amateurs, and professionals, highlighting the diverse talent within Ugandan golf.
