In January 2024, The Social Golfer travelled to Africa for the first-ever Kids Pairs Golf Event in Uganda.
The inaugural Par 3 championship – in partnership with the Afriyea Golf Academy and Gogogo Sport vPro – was won by Rachael Natukunda and Justus Byaruhanga.
Furthermore, the Honourable Alex Ruhunda, Member of Parliament for Fort Portal was in attendance.
50+ junior golf players took part at The Toro Golf Club in Fort Portal. Each showcasing their unique skills and abilities.
The Kids Pairs Golf event emphasized the importance of equality with 90% of those taking part, entering as mixed pairs.
Accordingly, the Pairs format was chosen to demonstrate that boys and girls can play together on an equal footing.
Golf Handicaps ranged from 8 to 28.
With the juniors showing that teamwork and ‘game strategy’ were needed to win.
Ian Mullins, the editor of The Social Golfer, expressed his profound pride in seeing the event launched.
Coach Happy Talking in Kids st Golf event in Uganda
The event took place over 18 holes with the format of combined Gross Scores. However, every child who took part received a certificate of participation. Allowing them to share their achievements with friends and family.
Winners – Racheal Natukunda & Justus Byaruhanga
Runners-up – Shillah Kasembo & Edward Rubogoya
Third Place – Rafiina Guma & Richard Kirungi
The Hon. Alex Ruhunda wholeheartedly believes in the profound impact that sports can have. Furthermore, he believes, it can serve as a catalyst for development and he was delighted to be at the Toro Club to witness events.
He pledged to engage with the government to secure investments in sports, ensuring sustained growth and advancement in the field. Meanwhile, looking on with pride, his smile confirmed how much he’d enjoyed watching the young golfers take part in the competition.
Ruhunda said, “I believe sport is not only good for kids but sport can play a huge role in learning other life skills, such as critical thinking, strategy, and good manners”. He added, “The Social Golfer and the Afriyea Golf Academy lay a solid foundation that will undoubtedly catapult the region to new heights in the field of sports.”
As the official sponsor of the event, Ian Mullins, Editor of The Social Golfer said:
“It is both exciting and humbling to see these kids in action. It’s an opportunity for them to show their talent and to learn the etiquette and rules of competition. I have been blown away by talent and the smiles.”
Jean Marunga, the Junior Vice President of the Afriyea Golf Academy, extended sincere thanks to the organisers of the groundbreaking Kids Pairs Golf Championship.
“This competition not only provided us with the opportunity to compete in a team format but also empowered girls to compete on an equal footing with boys.”
Isaiah Mwesige, the CEO of the Afriyea Golf Academy said:
“Golf has the potential to transform lives. We recognise the positive values associated with the game. These include discipline, accountability, but above all integrity.”
Mwesige later added, “We believe the game of golf and its principles have the power to unite communities and transcend barriers.”
Golf he asserts, is the only sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities together.
By Ian Mullins
