The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship officially began on Friday, August 22, with the Seniors Open at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club, marking the first time the tournament is staged outside Kampala and Entebbe.
The Seniors event, played over two rounds on Friday and Saturday, has drawn 39 players aged 55 and above, including nine women.
Defending champion Edrea Kagombe headlines the women’s field and teed off at 10:20am alongside Catherine Pavie and Katy Kabenge. Among the other contenders are Jennifer Opio, Monica Ntege, Rose Azuba, Grace Obua, Regina Ddamulira, and Aphra Basaliza.
On the men’s side, two-time defending champion Steven Katwiremu is chasing a third straight title. He begins his campaign at 11:30am in a group with Rob Heppel and John Katto.
John Muchiri, winner in 2021 and 2022, also features, teeing off at 10:10am with Tony Kisadha and Dominic Tumwesigye.
Johnnie Walker Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda said the Seniors tournament is designed to honor the players who laid the foundation for the sport in Uganda.
“It’s symbolic to start the 2025 Uganda Open with the seniors’ tournament, because it celebrates the legacy and passion of golfers who continue to inspire the game. Senior golfers are the living embodiment of Johnnie Walker’s mantra – Keep Walking,” she noted.
The championship runs for four weeks. After the Seniors Open, the Ladies Open follows from August 28–30, then the Amateur Open from September 3–6, marking the 84th edition of the flagship event. The series concludes with the Professional Open, scheduled for September 9–13.
Johnnie Walker has promised an enhanced fan experience throughout, with whisky lounges, entertainment, and bold serves on course. Sponsors for this year’s Open include Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, and NBS Sport.
