Golfing fraternity mourns pro golfer Toolit

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The Uganda Golf Union and the entire golf community are mourning the loss of professional golfer and trainer Brian Toolit, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, March 16, after battling cancer.

Toolit's impact on the sport will always be remembered. Born on August 8, 1987, at Lacor Hospital in Gulu district to Christopher Ojok and Connie Lajara, he was a gifted multi-sport athlete, excelling in swimming and tennis.

However, his true passion lay in golf, where he honed his skills and became one of Uganda's most formidable ball-strikers.

His remarkable talent began to shine at the age of 13 when he participated in the inaugural Lugazi Open in 2000.

Competing in a challenging 36-hole event at the then nine-hole Lugazi Golf Course, Toolit went up against other young golfers, including Denis Anguyo, Shaban Lwanga, and David Okullo.

Even then, the lanky teenager showed signs of a promising future in the sport. Known for his exceptional iron-striking ability and powerful drives off the tee, Toolit quickly made a name for himself in Ugandan golf.

“We at Jinja Club won the last Inter-Club Golf Competition with him when these young guns were still amateurs. We travelled the country together testing different golf courses, always shared golf tips, had many competitive matches, at times playing up to 54 holes a day,” Edward Golooba reminisced.

“These young men gave me a chance to mentor, reverse mentor, and enjoy friendship and lifelong bonds within the spheres of highly competitive golf. I was so happy that they all turned Pro and positively impacted Ugandan golf,” he added.

Toolit’s true calling was coaching and sharing his knowledge with others.

He had a unique ability to communicate effectively and patiently, keeping beginners engaged in their learning process. Being multilingual—fluent in his native Acholi, as well as Luganda, Lusoga, Swahili, and English—allowed him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, making him both well-liked and approachable.

His down-to-earth personality was one of his greatest attributes. Respectful, admirable, and easy-going, Toolit left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Following his cancer diagnosis last year, the golf community rallied around him, a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives.

Toolit who is to be laid to rest in Gulu on Monday afternoon will be deeply missed by golfers in the region and across the country.