The prestigious Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open tees off today Wednesday, August 28, at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club, marking its 83rd edition.
The tournament, which will run till Saturday, August 31, will see the defending champion, Godfrey Nsubuga, aiming to retain his crown in what promises to be a highly competitive event.
Nsubuga, who clinched last year’s title with a score of 275 and 8.2295 points, expressed his readiness to defend his title during an interview with NBS Sport.
“The recent months I’ve been playing quite well, and my game has been very good during the practice rounds that I’ve played in Entebbe, and I feel like I’m ready,” said Nsubuga.
“As an individual, I stand high chances of winning the Open.” He added with confidence.
The tournament, which first teed off in 1932, has a rich history, with only two interruptions due to World War II (1940-1947) and political insurgencies in Uganda (1979-1980).
As it has been the case with the Ladies and Seniors opens, this year’s Amateurs open will also feature prize kitty for the top 15 players, a feature that Nsubuga acknowledged as a “morale booster and motivation” rather than a source of pressure.
“To me the kitty doesn’t give me pressure to win the competition, but I’d say that it is a morale booster and motivation to everybody, and I’m so grateful to the Uganda Golf Union.” Nsubuga said.
Nsubuga’s victory last year was nothing short of spectacular. His 275 gross score over the 72 holes, and finishing the final round with a 3-under 69, was nothing short of spectacular.
His triumph was among a series of successes in the year, which included wins at the Nyali Open and the Tea Fields Trophy in Kenya, as well as the NCBA Tanzania Open.
This year, Nsubuga faces stiff competition from a field of 120 golfers, including past champions Joseph Cwinya-ai (2021) and Andrew Ssekibejja (2022), as well as last year’s runner-up Ibrahim Bagalana.
Other notable contenders include seasoned golfers such as Andrew Baguma, Michel Tumusiime, and Reagan Akena. The tournament also features top players from Kenya, led by Adel Balala, adding to the high level of competition.
Nsubuga’s participation in international tournaments has also set him apart. Earlier this month, he made history as the first East African to compete in the US Amateur Championship.
His international experience, including a 44th place finish at the Africa Amateur Golf Championships in South Africa, positions him as a formidable contender.
