Plenderleith, Pavie top Uganda Open Golf Seniors Tournament

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa’s David Plenderleith and Jinja Club’s Catherine Pavie carded an overall 167 and 192 over 36 holes to top their respective categories as the 84th Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship ended at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

The two golfers negotiated the undulating and challenging hills and valleys of the Lugazi course better, matching to their first seniors open titles each, in the event that attracted over 50 senior golfers aged 55 years and above.

Plenderleith, 71, notched two birdies and 11 pars over the two rounds while Pavie managed only one on the par-3 17 in the last round but they were enough to see each one of them on top.

The different winners pose with the different sponsors representatives after the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"Well, everybody has luck and maybe it was my turn to have a little bit of luck, sometimes that's how the game goes," Plenderleith said, adding: "I haven't played well for the last nine months and this win is a fantastic boost. I plan to play more senior tournaments in the coming months.”

Plenderleith edged John Muchiri to the title by three strokes while Tony Kisadha was five strokes away in third.

On her part, Pavie who has been subjected to a bridesmaid role from previous events, finally managed to get the ladies title within her grasp.

"I play on this course almost every week because Jinja is about 45 minutes away. I felt at ease because I knew the course well," she said. "It was a great competition but I didn't feel any pressure, not that I had nothing to lose, but because I trusted my game and focused on every shot," Pavie added.

David Plenderleith (centre) is crowned by Johnnie Walker's Christine Kyokunda (left) and UGU president Jackson Were after the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Pavie was a joint leader with last year's winner, Edrea Kagombe after they each returned 94 but the top two golfers from last year’s event exchanged positions with the former edging her opponent to the title by seven strokes.

The defending champion finished joint third with Rose Azuba while Regina Ddamulira, Jeniffer Opio, Grace Obua and Aphra Basaliza finished fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

"Senior golfers are a clear testament that golf is more than just a competition; it encourages healthy lifestyles, mental well-being, and social connections. Seeing these senior players perform at such a high level reminds us that age is no barrier to staying active, enjoying the game, and achieving excellence," UGU president Jackson Were noted at the prize ceremony attended by representatives from the different sponsors.

The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is co-sponsored by Absa Bank, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda and MTN MOMO.

Top ten men

David Plenderleith 83 84167gross

John Muchiri 86 84 170

Tony Kisadha 85 87 172

Michael Cleave 84 92 176

Joseph Semwaga 89 89 178

Joseph Bagabo 88 91 179

John Katto 92 88 180

William Otieno 89 93 182

Robert Lim Lim 92 90 182

Zephania Dube 86 98 184

Stephen Katwiremu 100 85 185

Ladies

Catherine Pavie 94 98 192

Katy Kabenge 100 94 194

Rose Azuba 96 103 199

Edrae Kagombe 94 105 199

Regina Ddamulira 110 111 221

Jenniffer Opio 111 111 222

Grace Obua 113 112 225

Aphra Basaliza 143 170 313