The inaugural edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series came to a close on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Mehta Hills Golf Course in Lugazi, wrapping up a three-leg journey that began earlier this year in Kitante and Entebbe.
The final leg, played over four days in a stroke-play format, brought together a strong field of competitors across professional and amateur divisions.
A total of 20 professionals, 45 gross amateur men, 10 gross amateur ladies, and over 100 subsidiary players took part in the last leg.
After leading the first day with a level-par 71, Ronald Otile was the early favorite in the professional category.
However, it was Ronald Rugumayo who closed out the tournament in commanding fashion, clinching the professional title with a gross of 292 — finishing 8 over par. Rugumayo took home the UGX 20 million prize.
In the gross amateur men’s category, Joseph Kasozi emerged victorious, posting a 5-over-par total of 208 gross to walk away with UGX 5 million. The gross amateur ladies’ title went to Martha Babirye, who carded 28 over par (gross 241) across the tournament, earning herself UGX 2 million.
Babirye had grabbed the spotlight on Day Two with her performance, while Otile’s strong start on Day One had set the tone for the professionals. But it was Rugumayo’s resilience and steady play over the final rounds that ultimately sealed the biggest prize.
The Lugazi leg capped off the first-ever POA Golf Series, which debuted with earlier rounds at Uganda Golf Club (Kitante) and Entebbe Golf Club, providing a competitive platform for Uganda’s top professionals and amateurs alike.
