Uganda’s premier golf tournament, the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open, returns this month at East Africa’s oldest golf facility Entebbe Club.
The announcement was made on Thursday, August 1 at a press launch held at the Tee Box of Hole One of the course overlooking Africa’s biggest water body Lake Victoria.
The three-week championship is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, August 22nd with the Ladies Open and Seniors Open tournaments.
The iconic and flavorful Johnnie Walker returns as the title sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to elevating the game of golf and tournament’s experience.
“As Uganda Breweries Ltd (UBL), and specifically as Johnnie Walker, we are extremely excited to be a part of the most prestigious golfing tournament in the country once again. The Uganda Open and golf in itself pride in passion, commitment, quality, progress, and taking bold steps to make the perfect swing, which Johnnie Walker as a brand is all about, making this a perfect match,” said Christine Kyokunda, the Brand Manager Scotch & Reserve.
As is tradition, Johnnie Walker, the leading global celebratory brand, will once again serve unparalleled excitement, entertainment, and with an even better hospitality village experience.
“We are not just investing Shs 550m into this tournament, we are investing vibes and an unforgettable experience. Johnnie Walker is renowned for showcasing a life of BIG FLAVOUR, and that’s precisely what we’re bringing to this year’s Open.
“Last year, we witnessed some of the most incredible swings, and this year, we’re at it again with big flavour vibes and vibrant entertainment. Our Hospitality Village will feature a dedicated lounge for players to unwind, offering guests an immersive golf and whisky experience. Attendees can also look forward to thrilling entertainment, with the unmistakable Johnnie Walker touch at its core,” said Robert Nsibirwa, the Marketing Manager Spirits at UBL.
Jackson Were, the President of the Uganda Golf Union, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and highlighted the significant increase in the Professional Players’ prize fund from Shs 100m to Shs 150m.
“I want to thank all of you for giving our biggest tournament in the county such visibility, thank you. In a special way, I want to thank the media for keeping the game of golf in the public eye year after year.
“This year, we are excited to announce an increment in the professionals’ prize fund from Shs 100m to Shs 150m thanks to our extremely generous sponsors”
Were hinted at the plans to grow the open into a DP World Tour event.
As the game evolves, the Union is committed to growing this tournament into a DP World event. Let’s carry this vision forward together and make it happen.
Club Captain, Serwano Walusimbi, confirmed the readiness of the course and promised golfers and golfing enthusiasts to expect a memorable Open.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Union for selecting Entebbe Club as the host of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open 2024. It is an honour to collaborate on such a prestigious event, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that we have an amazing tournament.
“The Uganda Open is a celebration of skill and sportsmanship, and we pledge to ensure that the course is in pristine condition for this tournament. We warmly welcome golfers and fans from all over the world to join us and create lasting memories of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open 2024.
“A special thanks to Johnnie Walker Uganda, and all our esteemed sponsors, for the support, which not only elevates the game of golf but also inspires the next generation of golfers.”
Last Year’s Winners
Peace Kabasweka won her first-ever Ladies Open last year and is expected to defend that title fiercely.
Steven Katwiremu won the Seniors Open through a playoff while Godfrey Nsubuga rolled to the Amateur Open victory.
In the professional event, Kenyan vet Dismas Ndiza netted his seventh title.
2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Schedule
- Ladies Open: 20th-24th August
- Seniors Open: 20th-23rd August
- Amateur Open: 26th-31st August
- Pro-Am: 24th October
- Professional Open: 2nd-7th September
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