Fort Portal, a vibrant city in Uganda, has witnessed a rising interest in sports among its youth. While football remains a popular choice, golf has been gaining traction, courtesy of the Afriyea Golf Academy and its partners like Toro Club. Collaborating together, these organizations have been actively introducing the game of golf to young students in schools and communities, emphasizing its inherent values.
Recently, the Golf Academy organized an internal school golf tournament at Toro Club for the students of Tooro Parents Education Centre on August 4th, 2023. The event’s primary aim was to assess the students’ golfing skills in various aspects of the game, including chipping and putting, long drives, and engaging in 3 and 6-hole challenges.
Beyond being a mere test of skill, the tournament provided a fun and entertaining opportunity for the students to learn valuable lessons about the sport. Among the participants, two standout golfers emerged as the overall winners in their respective categories. Alvin Muhenda, an impressive 10-year-old in Primary Four, claimed victory in the boys’ category, while Jean Marunga, a skilled 12-year-old in Primary Six, secured the top spot in the girls’ category.
Reflecting on his tournament experience, Alvin said, , “I enjoy challenging myself and continuously pushing my limits to improve each day. Competing in events like this allows me to gauge my skills against other young golfers, and I am immensely grateful to my school and the academy for giving us the opportunity to participate in golf. Without them, I would never have discovered my passion for the game.”
Apart from the overall winners, several students showcased their prowess in specific aspects of the game. Eight-year-old Shawn Owen triumphed in the chip and putt category, while Nyabalega Juliet and Alinda Alicia demonstrated their skills in the two-hole challenge for girls. Balinda Wycliff emerged as the champion in the boys’ category. In terms of the longest drive honors, Jordan Rabwon impressed in the boys’ division, while Sandra Champukni claimed the title in the girls’ division. Kibalama Elijah earned recognition as the smartest player among the boys, and Michelle stood out in the girls’ category.
The success of the tournament can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of coaches like Richard Baguma, Happy Robert, Harisson Kasaija, and Lillian Koowe, who graciously organized the event.
Isaiah Mwesige, the CEO of the Afriyea Golf Academy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This marks a significant step forward in our efforts to produce exceptional golf stars from Uganda, who can compete in various championships worldwide. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partners for their unwavering support.”
