Bwambale, Natukunda excel during 21st edition of Venus Golf Open at Toro Club

Age is no boundary to golf on home soil as youngsters Amon Bwambale and Rachael Natukunda demonstrate top performance.

Defending champion of the Venus Open, Amon Bwambale, brought in a score of 69 at the par 70 course to edge out his national team playmate, Titus Okwong, to second place.

Abdul Kakeeto settled for third place in the event’s top category of gross.

Rachel Natukunda, aged 17, outshone in the women’s category with a score of 81 gross.

Both Bwambale and Natukunda are graduates of the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, a Toro Club-based junior golf program aimed at naturally developing grassroots golf.

With 98 golf participants at the 21st edition of the Venus Open, this marks the highest entry for this event and also sets the bar high for the first major club event. 

Toro Club Trustee, Smart Bwango, said, “We are pleased with how our club has built strong ties with Venus, and this event has become a part of us where the game goes beyond the course. This event has become a focal point for showcasing the cooperative responsibility played by the venue and its commitment to promoting sports.”

Saul Kusemerewa, speaking on behalf of the sponsors, appreciated Toro Club for its hospitality and continued cooperation with Venus. “Despite our company facing economic challenges caused by wars in the Middle East, dollar devaluation in Pakistan, and others, the Venus Open is pleased to have sponsored this event, and we promise to sponsor the Venus Open again in 2025.”

“As a company, we understand the values of sports, especially golf, which unites people and provides them with the opportunity to exercise their bodies, promoting good health. The social benefits of golf are invaluable,” he added.

Frank Kirungi, the Toro Club Chairman, expressed pride in partnering with the Venus Open, a company recognized not only for its success in business but also for its social corporate responsibility. “With 98 players from nearly 12 golf clubs, which is more than half of the total clubs in the country, Toro Club’s power and the community we are building are showcased.”

Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, commented that the win for Amon and Rachel is a clear indication of the natural talent being nurtured at Toro Club, creating the stars of tomorrow.

“Their victory is a significant milestone ahead of the major club and national events, and it is commendable to see two young players dominating the stage of the major championship.” Mwesige spoke.

Reflecting on his win, Amon Bwambale said, “I am very proud to have defended this tournament. The course was impeccable, but the dry season presented quite a challenge. The pressure of playing against other senior players was high, but I managed to control it and emerge as the winner.”

                                     RESULTS

Nearest to the pin ladies                     NANARA FAITH

Nearest to the pin men                         OBITA PETER 

Longest Drive ladies                             LUCIA TIBAHWINURA   ALIDA

Longest   Drive men                              DRAMADRI   EMMANUAL

SENIORS 66+

WINNER                                        KAGOMBE CHARLES            70  NET

R/ UP                                             MUGAMBWA DAVID              H/C   21    72 NET

SENIORS (55- 65)  

WINNER                                       BIZIBU      WILLIAM            H/C 17       67  NET 

R/ UP                                            SSEKYAZI     JOHN                H/C 18        69 NET 

LADIES 55+

WINNER                                      JILL PINDA BIRUNGI           H/C 25         72 NET 

R/ UP                                           KATTIE    MUGANGA           H/C 20         73 NET

LADIES GROUP   B

WINNER                                      LAURA   ATUKUNDA              H/C   46       61 NET 

R/UP                                            AGNESS    KUSEMERERWA        H/C 40         67 NET 

LADIES GROUP   A

WIINER                                       KISEMBO JOYCE                      H/C 9        75 NET   C/B

R/UP                                           NAMARA FAITH                     H/C    15      75 NET  

GROUP  C  MEN

WINNER                       ALDON      WALUKAMBA                 H/C  31  64  NET

R/UP                             HOOD      NUSUBUGA                       H/C 29   68 NET

1^ST  R/UP                       SAUL         KAGYEMA                       H/C 32    69 NET C/B

GROUP  B   MEN  

WINNER                         HENRY      BYARUHANGA                H/C 13    63 NET   

R/ UP                              MARGACH CHARLES                         H/C 17      70 NET

1^ST  R/UP                         OMIA  OBIGA                                     H/C 13     73  NET 

GROUP  A  MEN

WINNER                            ALEX      MUGISHA                           H/C 8      72 NET C/B

R /UP                                 JOHN ASIIMWE                              H/C 11     72 NET 

1^ST  R/UP                            ARINIATWE    CHRIS                        H/C 09    73  NET

GROSS    LADIES

WINNER                             NATUKUDA RACHEAL                    H/C 13     81 GROSS

R/UP                                   KOOWE LILLIAN                                H/C 08   83 GROSS 

GROSS    MEN

1^ST R/UP                             ABDUL   KAKEETO                              H/C 00     75 GROSS 

R/UP                                   TITUS    OKWONG                           H/C 00     74   GROSS 

WINNER                             AMON BWAMBALE                       H/C -2     69 GROSS