Hundreds expected at Kilembe Mines Hima tourney
Hundreds of golfers will descend upon the par-72 Kilembe Mines Golf Club this weekend to compete in the revamped Hima Cement Kilembe Open.
The tournament used to be a popular one but was forced to take an involuntary sabbatical owing to lack of sponsorship. That explains why Hima Cement’s support couldn’t have come at a better time.
Established in the 1950s, Kilembe used to host the Uganda Golf Open in the 70s and 80s and the club’s corporate representative Martin Osembo is convinced that the club is firmly on the right path.
“We have sound management led by our captain Ronald Kwikiriza and we are doing everything humanly possible to return the glory days of Kilembe Mines Golf Club,” he noted.
Osembo told the press briefing on Monday that the club will hold a unique 19th hole experience dubbed ‘Golf in the wild’ under the dress code of Safari wear.
“We want all golfers to come and swing and unlock the beauty of nature at the club. Presently there is round-the-clock work to make the course be in prime condition so that all golfers from near and far enjoy their shots and putts come Saturday.”
Prizes have been designed to accommodate all golfers across the various groups for both male and female. In addition to the customary trophies for winners of groups A, B and C for men and women, the day’s best seniors will also be honoured.
Side bets of the longest and the nearest drives across sexes will also be contested for. Hima Cement, the title sponsors, have invested Shs 35m in the competition, and part of the money will go directly to transforming a course that has been threatened by encroachment from dubious characters within the Kilembe area.
Other stakeholders who have come in handy for the Kilembe Mines Golf Club open are GEMS International, Agri-Evolve, Uganda Development Bank and the Insurance Company of East Africa. According to Osembo, the club is expecting more than 200 golfers to register and play a course that is famed for being one of the longest in East Africa.
