Tanzania golfers chase WAGR points in Uganda

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S leading women golfers will return to Uganda this month seeking valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and a stronger finish at the Uganda Ladies Open.

The three-day championship, organised by the Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU), will be held at Uganda Golf Club from August 13 to 15, bringing together leading amateur golfers from Uganda and across East Africa.

Tanzania will be looking to build on its strong showing at last year’s championship, when national team captain Neema Olomi finished runner-up after losing to Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama in a playoff.

The tournament carries WAGR status, increasing its importance for players seeking to improve their international rankings and gain exposure on the regional amateur circuit.

The main Ladies Silver category will be played over 54 holes of stroke play, with no cut, meaning all competitors will complete the three rounds. It is open to golfers with a handicap index of 14.1 or lower.

ULGU President, Rita Akot, described the championship as the pinnacle of women’s amateur golf in Uganda and said its WAGR status had helped attract leading players from the region.

The tournament will also feature a Ladies Bronze category for golfers with handicap indexes between 14.2 and 29.2. That competition will be played over 36 holes from August 14 to 15.

The organisers have set aside UGX10 million for the Ladies Silver category, with the winner receiving UGX2.4 million. Prize money will be paid to the top 10 finishers and ties.

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The programme will also include subsidiary competitions for men and women during the championship.

Registration closes on August 11, with competitors required to complete registration and pay their entry fees before the tournament begins.