The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | Elijah Luutu took a surprise lead going into today’s final day of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship Seniors Open at Uganda Golf Club, after carding an incredible level par 72. With a 5-stroke lead, Luutu could well pocket his first seniors title by a mile Saturday afternoon.
Lying 7th is defending champion David Plenderleith. Plenderleith won last year’s championship at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club after posting rounds of 83 and 84 for a gross total of 167, finishing three strokes ahead of Kenya’s John Muchiri.
The event follows the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open at the same venue, won by Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche last week.
Other pre-event contenders, Muchiri, who won the championship in 2021 and 2022, returned this year, while 2024 champion Stephen Katwiremu, Onyango Matata and Chris Mutegyeki were also expected to challenge – but it might be too late now.
LEADERBOARD
| POSITION | PLAYER | R1 | R2 | GROSS | TTP |
| 1 | ELIJAH LUUTU | 72 | 72 | E | |
| 2 | GURBUX SINGH | 77 | 77 | +5 | |
| 3 | HASSAN PIRANI | 78 | 78 | +6 | |
| 4 | JOSEPH BAGABO | 80 | 80 | +8 | |
| T5 | WILLIAM OTIENO | 81 | 81 | +9 | |
| T5 | MICHAEL CLEAVE | 81 | 81 | +9 | |
| 7 | DAVID PLENDERLEITH | 82 | 82 | +10 | |
| 8 | TONY KISADHA | 83 | 83 | +11 | |
| 9 | GODFREY ONYANGO | 84 | 84 | +12 | |
| 10 | JULIUS MUSIIMENTA | 85 | 85 | +13 | |
| T11 | ROBERT LIMLIM | 86 | 86 | +14 | |
| T11 | VENNY BIRUSYA | 86 | 86 | +14 | |
| T11 | JUNG AHN | 86 | 86 | +14 | |
| T11 | JOHN MUCHIRI | 86 | 86 | +14 | |
| T15 | MICHAEL MONNE | 87 | 87 | +15 | |
| T15 | JAE SUH | 87 | 87 | +15 | |
| T15 | PER KNUTSSON | 87 | 87 | +15 | |
| T18 | JOHN BYABAGAMBI | 88 | 88 | +16 | |
| T18 | CHARLES KATARIKAWE | 88 | 88 | +16 | |
| T18 | PATRICK KAGORO | 88 | 88 | +16 | |
| T18 | SAM ZARAMBA | 88 | 88 | +16 | |
| T22 | GIER ALUONG | 89 | 89 | +17 | |
| T22 | PATRICK KABONERO | 89 | 89 | +17 | |
| T22 | WILLIAM MUTYABA | 89 | 89 | +17 | |
| T22 | ZEPHANIAH DUBE | 89 | 89 | +17 | |
| T26 | RICHARD MUCUNGUZI | 90 | 90 | +18 | |
| T26 | MOSES TURYATEMBA | 90 | 90 | +18 | |
| T26 | STEVEN KATWIREMU | 90 | 90 | +18 | |
| T26 | JOHN WAIGO | 90 | 90 | +18 | |
| T30 | ROBINSON LUTWAMA | 91 | 91 | +19 |
For the golfers taking part, the Seniors Open is another opportunity to compete, but it also reflects the longevity of their involvement in the sport.
Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda said the seniors’ continued participation is a fitting reflection of the brand’s “Keep Walking” philosophy.
“The seniors opened the way for us. Seeing them continue to walk the greens after so many years of playing the game is inspiring. They have given so much to golf, and their continued passion shows that the journey does not stop. It is about keeping going, challenging yourself and inspiring the next generation,” Kyokunda said.
The event will conclude with an Afro-themed 19th Hole experience Saturday, featuring live entertainment from songstress Winnie Nwagi and other acts.
