Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama described her sudden-death victory at the 74th Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open as the reward of years of persistence, calmness under pressure, and consistent practice.
Nyachama, who finally clinched her first Uganda Open title after several near misses since 2017, said the breakthrough meant a lot after finishing second and third in past editions.
“I’m very excited. This is my first time to win the Uganda Ladies Open. I’ve been coming here, sometimes finishing second or third, but finally, I’ve been the winner,” she said.
The Njoro Country Club golfer admitted the playoff against Tanzania’s Neema Olomi tested her nerves but credited her composure.
“At first, I was feeling pressure because I didn’t know we would be playing the playoff, but I managed,” she explained. On the second attempt at the par-3 hole eight, Nyachama secured par as Olomi bogeyed, sealing her victory.
Reflecting on her rounds, she noted steady progress through the tournament. “Day one I played 78, which I was happy with because it was only my second time playing here. On day two I improved with 75, and then today I managed 77 because the course was a little tough. Thank God, I played well,” she said.
Nyachama highlighted her 25-foot putt on hole 14 as the turning point of the final round. “I went into the bunker, but I came out nicely. I was just playing to get close to the hole, but the putt went in. I was very excited, and it gave me the motivation that I can do this,” she recalled.
She credited her improved performance to regular competition back home, including tournaments alongside men under the NCBA circuit. “I’ve been practicing a lot and playing more tournaments. Nowadays we play with the men, and that has kept my game up,” she said.
Nyachama also praised the Lugazi Hills course for its challenge and beauty. “The course is beautiful, but the hills mean you have to be fit. It’s not tough if you hit the fairways and get on the greens in regulation. Then putting will be okay,” she said.
Surrounded by fellow Kenyans who had traveled to support her, Nyachama dedicated the victory to persistence and encouraged her competitors. “The ladies tried very hard, but after playing, we must have a winner and runner-up. Next time, maybe it will be their turn,” she said.
Nyachama, with a handicap index of 0.6, became only the latest Kenyan to inscribe her name on the Uganda Ladies Open roll of honor, finally ending an eight-year wait for glory.
