The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship has officially teed off today, Friday, August 22, at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club. This is the first time the event is being hosted outside its Kampala and Entebbe bases.
The tournament has began with the Seniors Open, that will be played over two rounds on Friday and Saturday. This event features golfers aged 55 years of age and above, and is expected to attract tens of both male and female golfers, that will compete in the 36-hole competition.
A subsidiary event, that will feature golfers of all age groups, will be played on the final day- Saturday, August 23, with a full course anticipated.
Thirty-nine players have been drawn for the main event of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open 2025, with nine ladies, that include title holder- Edrea Kagombe, who returns to defend her crown. She will tee off on Friday at 10:20am, alongside Catherine Pavie and Katy Kabenge.
The other ladies to watch out for on the draw include, Jennifer Opio, Monica Ntege, Rose Azuba, Grace Obua, Regina Ddamulira, and Aphra Basaliza.
Men’s title holder Steven Katwiremu is in pursuit of a hat-trick. Having triumphed in 2023 and 2024, he’s aiming for a third straight win. He will tee off at 11:30am, alongside Rob Heppel and John Katto.
John Muchiri, a two-time champion (2021 and 2022), is another senior to watch in the men’s category. He’s seeded in the second group on the opening day, alongside Tony Kisadha and Dominic Tumwesigye. The trio will tee off at 10:10am.
With few competitions dedicated for seniors, the Johnnie Walker Seniors Open presents senior golfers an opportunity to compete at a high level, stay active in the sport, and showcase their experience and skills.
Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, noted that the Seniors Open is more than just a competition. It is about celebrating those who walked before us and paved the way for the game’s growth in Uganda.
“It’s symbolic to start the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship with the seniors’ tournament, because it celebrates the legacy and passion of golfers who continue to inspire the game. Senior golfers are the living embodiment of Johnnie Walker’s mantra – Keep Walking,” she added.
She added that throughout the four weeks of the Open, Johnnie Walker will elevate the experience with bold serves, immersive whisky lounges and electric entertainment.
After the Seniors’ event, the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship will continue with the Ladies Open, taking place from August 28th- 30th. This will be followed by the Amateur Open, the main event of the championship, which marks the 84th edition, that will run from September 3rd- 6th. The tournament will then conclude with the Professional Open, slated for September 9th- 13th.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, and NBS sports.
