Entebbe, Uganda — The second version of the Pearl Of Africa Golf Collection will get underway on the par-71 Entebbe Membership this week with the nation’s elite amateurs and professionals presently fine-tuning their swings and putters in anticipation of the occasion.
For the professionals, there’s extra purpose to accentuate their observe after organizers enhanced their package deal. This yr’s kitty will probably be Shs27m, which represents a Shs10m increment from final yr’s competitors.
Grace Kasango, recent from ending second on this week’s Kilelesi Golf Collection at Uganda Golf Membership (UGC) in Kitante, is eagerly wanting ahead to the competitors. “I am unable to wait,” the soft-spoken golfer famous. “I’ve been placing very well and if I can replicate what I’ve been doing recently, I’ll give myself probability. The POA Collection are well timed as a result of we want each occasion to take care of our mindsets within the aggressive body {of professional} golfers,” he added.
It guarantees to be a wealthy subject of competitors, with Ronald Rugumayo, David Kamulindwa and Deo Akope among the many high golfers anticipated on the draw. The MTN-sponsored Rugumayo has been busy on the Massive Straightforward Tour and can little doubt be one of many favourites.
Sustain with the newest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Launched final yr at UGC, the POA Collection have designed to raise the skilled golf ecosystem in Uganda to worldwide requirements. Because the collection grows organically, the plan is to draw native and regional professionals to compete for a kitty that’s anticipated to develop with each passing yr.
Whereas focus tends to be hogged by the professionals, the elite amateurs may also be in a contest of their very own for a Shs5m prize package deal. Final yr’s occasions had been received by John Musiimenta (UGC), Michael Tumusiime (Entebbe) and Joseph Kasozi (Lugazi). The skilled occasions went to Marvin Kibirige (UGC), Herman Mutebi (Entebbe) and Rugumayo (Lugazi).
Juliet Anena, the founding father of the POA Collection, is optimistic that the aim for which the initiative was designed will probably be realized sooner slightly than later. “One of many issues we highlighted on the launch was our dream, with my companions, to determine a sustainable incomes platform for professional golfers by means of constant prize cash, sponsorship alternatives and elevated visibility,” she mentioned. “We will not relent till we get there.”
This week’s Entebbe POA Collection has been supported by Exim Financial institution, Uganda Golf Union (UGU), Vivo Power, Aquafina, Residence Bliss, MTN and Case Medical Companies. It’s anticipated that extra companions will probably be unveiled sooner or later. Organisers have additionally included a subsidiary class to permit golfers from all walks of life to compete on Saturday.
Join free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the newest in African information delivered straight to your inbox