The highly anticipated Match Play Golf Challenge made a triumphant return to the golf calendar on Saturday, marking the commencement of Season Seven at the prestigious 71-Par Entebbe Club.
This qualifying round brought together golf enthusiasts from all over, teeing off at the crack of dawn to vie for a spot in the Challenge’s first round.
The day saw an impressive turnout on the course, with 201 players engaging in intense head-to-head competition on the green, each striving to secure their place in the next stage of the Challenge.
After an exhilarating battle on the course, the golfers made their way to the radiant 19th hole experience. At the 19th hole, majority of the guests respected the dress code, as they turned up in white outfits.
The guests were treated to a memorable evening, that commenced with themed cocktails. The delightful experience continued with an exquisite spread of delicious food, and captivating music, setting the stage for the draws that would shape the excitement for the next five months.
The night was a fusion of both old and new faces of winners. Andrea Kagombe bagged two trophies for nearest to the pin and as a runner up in the women’s group B.
Other notable winners included Lawrence Walakira who took the mantle receiving his award from UBL’s Fianance & Strategy Director Eunice Waweru after winning the Mens Group A scoring 70 net while playing at H/C 4, Ellias Katwebaze Winner Group B Men who scored 63 net and Prof. Robert Ejiku who emerged Runner Up Group B Men playing H/C 14 and scoring 66 among others.
Christine Kyokunda, hit the podium with East African Bashment Crew’s Fire Anthem, and with overwhelming excitement, congratulated golfers and partners upon a successful kickoff of the seventh edition of the Singleton Golf Challenge.
Kyonkunda then highlighted that the enduring partnership that has lasted for the past six years, had indeed transformed into a golfing family. She reassured golfers that this season would be exceptional, as the fusion of Singleton and golf guarantees unparalleled moments.
“I cannot tell you how excited I am that we have teed off Season Seven of the Singleton Golf Challenge, on a whole new high. I am proud of this partnership, that through the years has evolved into family. I want to reassure you that this is going to be a good season,” she said.
The night came alive with the talented DJ Nyoowe, who took golfers and guests on an enchanting musical journey, encompassing nostalgic hits from the 90s to Uganda’s current chart-toppers.
Familiar tunes like Ricky Martin’s Leaving lavida loca and Element’s Fou De Toi filled the air, but it was fire Anthem the hit song from the East African Bashemnt crew that had everyone dancing and grooving with enthusiasm.
With determination and skill on display, 64 pairs emerged victorious and qualified for round one slated for August 12th, just two weeks from the qualifiers, at the iconic Entebbe Club.
Format of Play
The Match Play Challenge (also referred to as The Singleton Challenge) was inaugurated in January 2017 at the Entebbe Club and was designed to encourage golfers around Kampala to play on courses out of the city, and at the Entebbe Golf Course in particular.
The challenge is played on a match play four ball better ball format. The winning pairs from every month advance to next stage until the challenge finale.
Isaac Mariera and John Muchiri won the inaugural edition of the challenge. The lady pair of Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime won the second edition in 2018. Richard Lutwama and Robert Busingye won the 3rd edition in 2019 while Innocent Nahabwe and Luwum Adoch won 2020 edition.
The 2021 season could not be finished because of the Covid 19 Pandemic however action returned for season six in 2022 which saw Philemon Akantuhurira and Patrick Ndase becoming champions.
