The truism goes that ‘a new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners.’
Ahead of the 84th Johnnie Walker Uganda Open that tees off this weekend at the par-71 Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club, that expression will be put to the test.
The Seniors Uganda Open competition will officially get the Open month started in earnest, with a host of the country’s best male and female senior citizens taking on the challenging hills and valleys of the Lugazi course.
It will be the first time the Uganda Open is held there in history at a club that was built in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the most picturesque if not exciting courses in the country.
Uganda Golf Union President told The Observer yesterday that this year’s Open will be one of a kind in more ways than one.
“Obviously we know that we have never had this tournament played at Lugazi before so that in itself will be something to look forward to.
“But similarly, the organisers and sponsors have put together a month-long event that will leave golfers and the gallery asking for more. All I can is that we can’t thank all stakeholders who have made the Open in Lugazi happen. Many questions were asked when we made the decision to take the Open to Lugazi but here we are, all looking on in anticipation.”
Steven Katwiremu, a champion in 2023, will be one of the favourites when the tournament tees off on Friday. But he can expect competition from his perennial rivals in the seniors category like John Muchiri, Isaac Mariera and Joseph Bagabo.
Meanwhile, Uganda Breweries Limited, through its flagship Scotch whisky brand-Johnnie Walker, last week officially launched the 2025 edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open Championship.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the company’s head offices in Portbell Luzira, where sponsors, Uganda Golf Union officials, media, and partners gathered to unveil what promises to be the most exciting edition yet.
As part of its continued investment in elevating the game of golf in Uganda, Johnnie Walker has committed a sponsorship and execution package totalling Shs 650m towards this year’s tournament.
The announcement signifies a substantial increment of Shs100m for this year’s sponsorship package, from last year’s Shs 550m package. This is the brand’s biggest sponsorship contribution since becoming the title sponsors of the Uganda Open.
This year’s Open Championship will kick off with the Seniors Open, which will tee off this week. This will be followed by the Ladies Open, which will run from August 28th-30th.
The Amateur Open will follow, running from September 3rd- 6th, before culminating in the Professional Open, from September 9th to 13th. Speaking at the launch, Johnnie Walker Uganda Brand Manager, Christine Kyokunda, reaffirmed the brand’s passion for the game and its commitment to making the 2025 tournament a standout experience.
“As Johnnie Walker, we are proud to continue walking alongside the Uganda Golf Union to elevate this tournament to new heights. Moving the Open to Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and taking bold steps, just like the players who take to the course each year. Golf is about skill, dedication and flavour, which is exactly what Johnnie Walker brings to this year’s tournament,” she said.
This year’s tournament is supported by partners including, Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS sports, and MTN MOMO. As 7-time sponsors of the Uganda Golf Open, Absa’s Head of Global Corporates, Judith Bulamu, noted that this goes beyond the Shs 300m sponsorship package.
“The ultimate prize is for the top 10 golfers (five amateurs and five professionals) in the Pro-Am leg who get an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in next year’s Magical Kenya Open,” Judith said.