Overview:
John Musiimenta’s powerful opening of 7-under-65 during the first round propelled him to this much desired victory. He back-trotted during the second day with 5-over 77 and 4-over 76 on the third round
2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series (Gross Category)
Final Leaderboard after 3Rounds (54 Holes) – Top 15
- Leader: John Musiimenta – 65, 77, 76 (218)
- 2: Sande Lulet – 75, 76, 71 (222)
- 3: Morris Ashaba – 76, 77, 73 (226)
- 4: Isaac Holy Ogwal – 76, 80, 74 (230)
- T5: Joseph Kasozi – 80, 74, 77 (231)
- T5: Ashvin Kananathan – 79, 76, 76 (231)
- T7: Amon Bwambale – 75, 77, 80 (232)
- T7: Hassan Kiyemba – 75, 79, 78 (232)
- T7: Juma Abiti – 76, 80, 76 (232)
- T7: Meron Kyomugisha – 75, 79, 78 (232)
- T7: Asuman Tumwesigye – 81, 74, 77 (232)
- T12: Lawrence Walakira – 74, 82, 77 (233)
- T12: Abdul Kakeeto – 77, 78, 78 (233)
- T12: Joseph Kanolera – 73, 86, 74 (233)
- T12: Brain Mmande – 80, 76, 77 (233)
John Musiimenta won the first-ever Pearl of Africa Golf Series in the gross category at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
After 54 gruelling holes, the national team player returned a combined 2-over 218 gross score to climax the Kampala leg.
Musiimenta’s powerful opening of 7-under-65 during the first round propelled him to this much-desired victory.
Even when he back-trotted during the second day with 5-over 77 and 4-over 76 on the third round, Musiimenta still managed to win the series with a 4-stroke advantage over second-placed Sande Lulet.
“It was a perfect championship,” Musiimenta sighed after holing out on the par-5 hole 18.
“The brilliant start during the opening round pushed me hard. I thank my fellow players, my parents, my caddy and the organizers of the Pearl of Africa Golf series. This is a worthy championship to play,” Musiimenta added.
Lulet opened with 3-over-75, 4-over-76 and a 1-under-71 on the final round for a combined 6-over-222 gross mark.
In position three was Morris Ashaba with 76, 77, 73 (226), followed by Isaac Holy Ogwal with 76, 80, 74 (230) as the duo of Joseph Kasozi and Ashvin Kananathan each scored 231 to tie joint fifth.
Five golfers share the joint 7th position with 232 scores apiece; Amon Bwambale, Hassan Kiyemba, Juma Abiti, Meron Kyomugisha and Asuman Tumwesigye.
The top 15 positions are filled with the quartet of Lawrence Walakira, Abdul Kakeeto, Joseph Kanolera and Brain Mmande with 233 gross scores each.
The gross player’s kitty is Ugx 5,000,0000.
Meanwhile, the professionals will complete their final round for 72 holes on Saturday, 8th February 2025.
After 54 holes, Marvin Kibirige is still ahead of 23 other pros who made the cut.
Kibirige has amassed a 4-under 212 (in 54 holes), two shots better than the aggressive Ronald Rugumayo.
David Kamulindwa is 3 shots away from the leader by the climax of the third round.
Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Phillip Kasozi are tied for 217 in the fourth position.
Grace Kasango and Deo Akope have 219 apiece and share the 6th place.
The only lady to have made the cut, Irene Nakalembe (220) is a shot away from Kasango and Akope.
The trio of Abraham Ainamani, Opio Onito and Samuel Kato have 222 apiece as they tie in 9th.
The professional kitty is Ugx 20,000,000.
This is the first time that the Pearl of Africa Golf Series is taking place in Uganda.
There will be other legs at Entebbe and Lugazi clubs in the coming months.
