In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, 16-year-old Justus Byaruhanga emerged as the champion of the inaugural Afriyea Golf Academy, Par 3 Championship.
However, equality and inclusion were also on show this week at Toro Golf Club as Rachael Natukunda forced a second playoff hole. Thus, demonstrating, that women can compete on equal footing with men.
In an 18-hole gross competition over 30 young stars competed to qualify into a six-player shootout on the 18th hole.
The two players finishing nearest to the pin went on to compete in the grand finale. Sadly, Rachael only narrowly missed out on victory when just par held par to take the crown.
The new championship took place at the Toro Golf Club in Fort Portal, Uganda.
The event, organized by the Afriyea Golf Academy, and sponsored by The Social Golfer was also supported by Gogogo Sport. The tournament showcased exceptional talent from young golfers and proved to be a resounding success.
In addition, gracing the event was 98-year-old Emmanual Basaliza, widely recognized as the oldest golfer not only in Uganda but also in Africa.
Basaliza expressed his appreciation to Ian Mullins from The Social Golfer for the invitation to serve as the chief guest for the inaugural Par 3 Championships 2024. He also took the opportunity to encourage and inspire junior golfers, stressing the significance of discipline, time management, and respect in their pursuit of the sport.
98-year-old Ugandan Golfer – Emmanual Basaliza
Winner – Justus Byaruhanga
Runner Up – Racheal Natukunda
Shootout Finalists:
Winner, Byaruhanga, expressed that this event had forced him to dig deep.
He admitted “I had under-performed on the front nine holes, playing very badly” and expressed to his fellow competitors in his willingness speech that you must never give up. He went on to say “I cannot wait to defend my title in 2025.”
Ian Mullins, Editor of the Social Golfer expressed pride in sponsoring the event.
Recognizing it as an instrumental platform for junior golfers to test their skills, game strategy, and decision-making abilities.
Mullins went on to say, “This tried and tested format in the UK gives amateur players of what real pressure is. This was born-out when the lowest gross score failed to hit the green in the shootouts. We believe this prepares the young golfers for what real competitive golf is all about.”
Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of the Afriyea Golf Academy said, “This event epitomizes the values of the academy”.
Mwesige went on to thank all the organizers of this unique Junior Golf Event in Uganda, specifically Afriyea Golf Academy coaches, Happy Robert and Andrew Mugume for their smooth running and dedication to the event.
In addition, he thanked Gogogo Sport VPRO rangefinder for their generous contribution to the prize table of two Rangfinders.
These will be available to all Academy Students and Coaches, which will both improve their game and a greater understanding of distances around the courses they play.
By Ian Mullins & Isaiah Mwesgie
