Ugandan golfers light up Limuru Country Club as I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series makes Kenyan debut

Over 200 amateur golfers from Uganda and Kenya took part in the first ever I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series tournament, at Limuru Country Club, on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Dubbed the ‘Migingo Skirmishes,’ the one-day tournament saw the Kenyan team take the bragging rights, after posting a total of 399 points, while the visiting Ugandan Team managed 343 points.

The final result was arrived at after considering the scores of the ten best players for each team.

The Limuru Katogo Series edition was initiated by Mr Kihara Mania, the Regional CEO of I&M Bank, who after participating and experiencing the second edition of the Katogo Golf Series in June, extended an invitation to the series organisers to take the fun to Limuru Country Club.

“I’m extremely happy to have our Ugandan brothers and sisters here at my home club. Sixty players coming from another country to visit us is not something small; and I promise you that we will also come to your club (Entebbe Club) in large numbers,” Mania said.

In his speech, the I&M Bank Uganda CEO- Robin Bairstow, who was flanked by Chief Financial Officer- Timothy Musiime, Chief Business Officer- Edward Gibson Nangono, and Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications- Annette Nakiyaga, said that as an institution, they were excited to see the Katogo Golf Series grow to the level of crossing borders, and highlighted that the move played well into their commitment to strengthen partnerships, as well as support initiatives that foster both business growth and community impact.

“As I&M Bank Uganda, we are very happy to see the Katogo Golf Challenge go beyond borders. It’s now very evident that our support for the series is much more than a monetary sponsorship; it’s more about fostering unity, friendship, and collaboration that strengthens our communities. Through the Katogo Golf Series, we have been able to witness, firsthand, how golf can be a platform that brings together individuals from various sectors and backgrounds,” Bairstow remarked.

Katogo Golf Captain- Elly Mukasa aka Sober, and his deputy Andrew Kibaya, Katogo Series and Entebbe Club Trustee Edward Kabuchu, and other Katogo members, could not hide their excitement at how huge the series have grown in the last two years.

“As Team Katogo, we are extremely excited and grateful for how far we’ve come. Who would have known a few months back that we would be holding the series in Kenya! We wish to thank our title sponsor- I&M Bank, for believing in the series, and for the invitation to bring the Katogo feel to Lumuru. Right from our humble beginnings, it’s always a special moment when we come together, not only to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of golf and friendship among our members and friends from other clubs,” Mukasa said.

James Githinji, the Limuru Club Captain, who was flanked by the Lady Captain Susan Mwanzia, noted that the date for the return leg for the Migingo Skirmishes will be announced soon.

“We’re looking forward to coming to Uganda for the return leg of this series. This is a fantastic way to build networks and keep the friendly rivalry between our clubs alive,” Githinji said.

The top Kenyan performers included Hagar Chege (44 points), Silvester Kimani (42), Kingori Macharia (41), Naheed Ahmed (40), John Ndiho (40), James Kihiu (40), Dominic Chege (39), James Macakiage (38), Andrew Karumbo (38), and Robert Gachaga (37).

The top ten Ugandans were; David Yatich (40 points), Daniel Kangu (39), Ali Juuko (36), David Ebau (33), Maxi Byenkya(33), Dan Kajungu (33), Emmanuel Wamimbi (33), Ronald Osekeny (32), Robert Ejiku (32), and Jonathan Bakwega (32).

Kenyans dominated the individual awards, although a few Ugandans managed podium finishes.

In the men’s category, Kenya’s Silvester Kimani emerged overall winner with 42 points, playing off handicap 20, while Hagar Chege, playing off handicap 53, emerged the top lady golfer of the day with 44 points.

In the group categories, Naheed Ahmed led Group A with 40 points, Kingori Macharia took Group B with 41 points, while Alvin Mokaya won Group C with 37 points.

In the ladies’, Wambui Gitonga led Group A with 37 points, Rhoda Koech took Group B with 37 points, and Clara Wambugu claimed Group C with 32 points.

Ken Ringera, who scored 34 points, was crowned the guest winner, while Peter Kinuthia and Noni Wanyee took home the longest drive awards for men and ladies, respectively. John Keru and Mukami Miako won the nearest to the pin prizes.

With the prize giving out of the way, it was time to enjoy the 19th hole, and the Katogo golfing fraternity never disappoints at that!

The Dj paid tribute to the visiting Ugandan team, by dropping mixes that featured top Ugandan songs.

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