Kilelesi golf order of merit to be unveiled

Since the inception last year, the monthly Kilelesi golf series have become popular among amateurs, artisans and professionals whose calendars have become enriched with more competitive events.

Tournaments are held in Namulonge, Uganda Golf Club, Entebbe and Lugazi and registration grows by the day with golfers keen to showcase their abilities in a PRO-AM format. Winners, who are usually five, often share a kitty of Shs 5m.

Kilelesi founding chairman Hassan Kiyemba now says organisers are going to have an order of merit this season where the top 10 golfers will be sponsored to compete in the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open due in Lugazi in August.

“It is something that we thought through and felt that it can go some way in enhancing the competition among both the amateurs and professionals,” Kiyemba said.

“We want golfers to bring their A-game in all our events know- ing that beyond the kitty, there will be a reward for all those who consistently do well across the events we organize at all the various courses where Kilelesi events are held,” he added.

It is understood that Spring Spa & Lounge will sponsor the order of merit for Kilelesi winners for the Uganda Open. Kilelesi Golf Group boasts of more than 100 players today and the year’s grand final is expected to be more enthralling than last year’s.

“You have to understand that in 2024, we were still raw; we had many rough edges. But this year, we are in a better position with a formidable committee and a couple of sponsors who will be with us for the final event,” Kiyemba added.

Some of the prominent golfers who have become renown competitors in the Kilelesi series are national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, Philip Kasozi, senior Stephen Katwiremu, Davis Kato, Ronald Otile and Joseph Reagan Akena.