Kibirige wins Pearl of Africa Golf Series Championship

Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Course club’s professional golfer Marvin Kibirige beat Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort’s Ronald Rugumayo on the first hole of a sudden death playoff to win the inaugural edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Championship at Kitante on Saturday.

The two golfers had tied on four-under 287 each after four rounds (72 holes) before Kibirige claimed his first win of the season and the first of three legs of the series after he dominated the field for four rounds.

He led all rounds and was two strokes ahead, teeing off on hole 17, but bogeys on the last two holes had him surrender his lead for the first time, which momentarily threatened his wonderful display over the four days.

But what was supposed to be a three-hole play-off on holes 12, 17, and 18 didn’t go the full stretch after Rugumayo only got to the green in five while his opponent was on in three.

So, in a sportsmanship spirit, he decided to forfeit the match there and then even before he could attempt his putt.

Kibirige consequently bagged the biggest share of the sh20m kitty (sh3.7m), while Rugumayo settled for sh2.5m, with the rest being shared out by the 22 other pros who made the cut.

“I’m happy to have won, it is an incredible feeling and I think this can boost me because it is the opening event of the year. I invest a lot of time in training (ten hours daily), so it is good to see that it has paid off and it is worth the time invested,” Kibirige said.

“The series is a good innovation and I would like to thank the organisers for starting it because this gives us more competition and it will boost us. There was some bit of pressure on the last holes but it is good I won,” Kibirige, who notched 3 eagles and 15 birdies overall, said.

Rugumayo managed 18 birdies overall but was left to rue the missed birdie chances on the par-5s, where he managed only six out of a possible 20 over the 72 holes.

He also displayed fantastic golf, recovering from a five-stroke deficit after the second round to maintain second position and force a play-off.

The series will head to Entebbe in April before the third and final leg at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club in July.

Top 10

Marvin Kibirige       68 72 72 72 284

Ronald Rugumayo   68 77 69 70 284

Phillip Kasozi          72 76 69 71 288

David Kamulindwa  71 71 73 75 290

Rodell Gaita             70 74 71 74 291

Deo Akope              71 74 74 73 292

Grace Kasango        77 71 71 75 294

Brian Mwesigwa     73 78 75 68 294

Opio Onito              76 70 76 74 296

Irene Nakalembe     71 76 73 76 296