The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is back with new exciting twists and turns. The 2025 edition was launched today (Monday, March 3rd), at press briefing held at the I&M Bank head office at Kingdom Kampala.
This year’s edition has received a financial boost of Sh650m, from the different partners, indicating a Sh160m increment from the 2024 sponsorship package.
The series will officially tee off on Saturday, March 15th, at Entebbe Club. The second quarterly event will take place on March 31, followed by the third edition- on August 9, and the grand finale will be held on November 29.
At the press launch, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow re-emphasized that the series is more than just golf—it is a platform that has helped build amazing, lasting relationships, created opportunities for growth, and supported communities.
“I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is beyond just enjoying the game of golf. We are proud to have impacted the communities that makes the game of golf more enjoyable. Last year, we donated Shs 20 million to support school-going caddies and children of the course maintainace staff at the Entebbe Club. We are committed to doing more this year,” Bairstow stated.
“We look forward to seeing the competition grow, bringing new experiences, and I believe the new formats of play for each event will bring out the best in every player, and shall create an exciting and competitive atmosphere for all participants,” he said, adding that they’ll feature a special guest—a renowned football legend—in one of the 19th hole experiences this year, thanks to their partnership with Xcalibur Foundation.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa expressed his gratitude to both golfers, and the series sponsors, for keeping the series growing. He expressed excitement for this year’s series, highlighting the challenging formats of play, the animated 19th hole experiences, and the camaraderie.
“Organizing the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is no easy task, because expectations grow with each quarterly event. Together with our partners, we go through a lot to maintain the high standards and ensure we meet the expectations of all golfers. But this year promises to be an exciting one,” he said.
Mukasa also revealed that the series will continue its regional trajectory, with plans to host an event in Kigali- Rwanda, this year. The I&M Katogo golf series had its first cross-border event at Limuru Country Club in Kenya last year.
Entebbe Club Captain- Serwano Walusimbi, applauded the series for its wholesome positive impact on the game of golf and its stakeholders .
“The series has uplifted those who often go unnoticed—the hardworking caddies and course management staff. It has not only extended financial support towards them, but also made them feel valued,” Walusimbi said.
“I can confirm that Entebbe Club is more than ready to host the 2025 series. We’re fully prepared to make sure that every participant has an incredible experience, on and off the course,” he added.
The Tournament Director (TD), Paul Kaheru revealed that the series will introduce two new formats of play this season. The ‘Rejected’ format , which will be introduced in the first quarter, and ‘For Better or Worse,’ which will debut in the second quarter. The other two formats will be ‘Daytona,’ and ‘In Regulation,’ but have featured in past seasons. These will be played at the third and finale events, respectively.
The ‘Rejected’ format shall be a team event, but shall not permit mixed pairs (a man and a woman). Upon teeing off, the opposing team shall decide where the other team play their second shots, and the players must move their balls to that position, no more than one scorecard length away from their partner’s ball.
The better nett score from the pair on each hole shall count as the team score. However, each team has a chance to reject the opposing team’s chosen position, and select their own on six holes. At the six holes, the worse nett score shall be recorded as the team’s score.
The ‘For Better or Worse’ format shall consist of teams of two, and shall allow for mixed pairs, where each player will play their own ball. Each team will declare nine holes, on which they will enter their better score, and those where they will have to enter the worse score. On the holes chosen for the best score, the team will be limited to use only four clubs per player. The team’s score shall be based on Stableford points format.
The ‘Daytona’ format of play, which will be played on August 9th, will still be a pairs event, where players will have to record their nett scores in way of pairing them, and the lower number will be the team’s score.
The ‘In Regulation,’ format is an individual competition, where players must land on the green in regulation, or face a one stroke penalty, unless they score par or better.
The series shall still have a hole-in-one prize car; an Outlander Sport (X-force), courtesy of Victoria Motors. The prize is insured by GA Insurance, who are also partners of the series.
Johnnie Walker Uganda will spice up the 19th hole experience with amazing cocktails, and bottle offers on their catalogue of labels.
The other sponsors of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series 2025 include Rwanda Air, NBS Sport, Fenon Events, Serena Hotels, Time Cop Security, and Goldman’s Luxury.
