Uganda’s golfers set for a showdown as International players confirm participation in the Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open with Zambia’s top pro Madalitso Muthiya, the black African to play in the U.S. Open among other internationals confirming participation.
Madalitso who will be taking part in the Open for the third time, is currently preparing for the Sunshine Tour in South Africa. Last year, the flamboyant golfer recorded a 5 under par 67 to win the Tusker Malt Uganda Open Professionals title at Kitante Golf Course. He entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 when he became the first Zambian and black African to play in the prestigious U.S. Open.
With an expected number of participants set to be over 500, Madalitso will be looking to emulate last year’s form as he seeks to win part of the UGX 110 million that Tusker Malt Lager has staked as prize winnings for the professionals.
Speaking to the President of the Uganda Golf Union, Mr. Johnson Omolo, he said; “Madalitso is currently one of the best Tour Golf Players on the continent. His swing and ability to read the game of golf to work in his favor makes him a beauty to watch. He is the defending champion and he will be very interesting to watch as he tries to defend his trophy.”
Although Madalitso is more experienced, the Ugandan team promises to give him a run for the money as they gear up for the Open. Some of the most notable being Deo Akope who has won the Open three times as an amateur and twice as a Pro.
Speaking to Deo Akope, he said; “I am not particularly shaken by his presence. I have seen his game and I can imagine what to expect. However, I can’t rule out any surprises. Even if he won last year, it is no guarantee that he will do the same this year round. I play on the Kitante course more often and I can officially say – he will have fierce competition this time round.”
Tusker Malt Lager has increased the cash sponsorship to the Uganda Golf Open from UGX 200 million shillings to UGX 230 million shillings. An additional UGX 270 million shillings as none cash sponsorship has also been injected into the tournament, taking the total sponsorship kit up to UGX 500 million shillings. The sponsorship kits include: media, player uniforms, merchandise, and logistical elements for prize giving dinners among others.
“Having a professional player like Madalitso Muthiya take part in the Tusker Malt Uganda Open is a great value addition for us. This shows the improvement in standards of our Golf Open and it shows that we are on the right path to achieve our goal of making the Open one of the most sought after tours on the Africa Golf calendar year.” Said; Mr. Mark Mugisha, Head of Beer and Ready to Drink Spirits at Uganda Breweries Limited.
There will be two parts of the tournament. The armatures will be playing from 10th – 13th August, 2016 while the professionals will play from 31st August – 3rd September, 2016.
