Plenderleith, Heppel one stroke ahead as the Seniors Open starts in Lugazi

David Plenderleith and Rob Heppel shot an opening round 12-over 83 each to take a one-stroke lead as the 84th Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship got underway at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club on Friday.

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa’s Plenderleith managed 6 pars and one birdie on the par-5 hole-16 to lead alongside Heppel who despite getting ten pars and two birdies on the par-5 hole seven and the par-4 twelve, was undone by the three triple bogeys and two double bogeys he registered in the opening round, at the at the newly refurbished, challenging, and picturesque par-71 course which is hosting the event for the first time.

Mbarara's Edrae Kagombe chips during the first round of the Seniors Open at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club course, August 22, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Michael Cleave who carded 84 will start the second and final round, one stroke away while Tonny Kisadha, John Muchiri and Zephania Dube are chasing two and three strokes respectively.

In the lady’s category it is defending champion Mbarara Golf Club’s Edrae Kagombe who also took joint leadership with Jinja Club’s Catherine Pavie after they each returned 94 gross each. The two golfers finished first and second respectively last year and one of them could nick it again although Rose Azuba is just two strokes behind them. Katy Kabenge who finished third overall last year shot an opening round 100 while Monica Ntege returned 106, showing how challenging the course is for all the senior golfers.

Catherine Pavie chips during the first round of the Seniors Open at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club course, August 22, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“The Uganda Open is the biggest tournament on our calendar, and Johnnie Walker has been instrumental in elevating its profile over the years. Hosting the 2025 edition at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club not only introduces a fresh playing experience but also reflects our goal to grow the game across the country. We are grateful to all our other sponsors and partners for making this year’s open possible.” UGU president Jackson Were stated.

After the seniors open on Saturday, the series of the Uganda Open tournaments will continue with the Ladies Open, which will run from August 28-30. The Amateur Open will follow thereafter, running from September 3-6, before the Professional Open, from September 9-13.

Round 1: Top ten and ties

David Plenderleith 83

Rob Heppel 83

Michael Cleave 84

Tony Kisadha 85

John Muchiri 86

Zephania Dube 86

Joseph Bagabo 88

William Otieno 89

William Mutyaba 89

Joseph Semwaga 89

Ladies: Top five

Edrae Kagombe 94

Catherine Pavie 94

Rose Azuba 96

Katy Kabenge 100

Monica Ntege 106