Overview:
Nyachama needed a sudden death victory during the second attempt on the par-3 hole 8 after tying with Tanzania Neema Olomi with 230 strokes apiece in 54 holes played over 3 rounds.
2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Golf Open:
- Winner: Mercy Nyachama (Kenya) – 78, 75, 77 (230) | Won via a Playoff with second attempt on par-3 Hole 8
- Runners up: Neema Olomi (Tanzania) – 73, 80, 77 (230)
- 3rd: Martha Babirye (Uganda) – 77, 80, 76 (233)
- 4th: Ashley Awuor (Kenya) -80, 77, 77 (234)
- 5th: Iddy Madina Hussein (Tanzania) – 84, 81, 77 (242)
Famous American professional football coach Vincent “Vince” Thomas Lombardi is remarkably quoted: “Winners never quit and quitters never win”.
The adage was reaffirmed with the victory of Kenyan golfer Mercy Nyachama during the 74th Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open at the par-71 Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Nyachama, a member of Njoro Country Club in Nakuru, has been soul-searching for victory on Ugandan soil since 2017.
During the 74th Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open, Nyachama did not quit her dream of fighting for victory.
Nyachama needed a sudden-death victory during the second attempt on the par-3 hole 8 after tying with Tanzania Neema Olomi with 230 strokes apiece in 54 holes played over 3 rounds.
“I feel honoured for this victory,” Nyachama sighed after receiving her trophy and a bouquet from the chairperson of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union, Rita Akol Apell.
“This has been a great time for me at Lugazi. I came in early and had a feel of the course,” she added.
Nyachama played 7-over 78 during the opening round, improved to 4-over 75 for round two and climaxed with 6-over 77 on the final day of the competition but tied with the overnight leader Olomi.
As it got dark with the setting sun, both players (Nyachama and Olomi) were engaged in a playoff on the picturesque par-3 hole 8.
On the first attempt, they tied with pars much to the continued pressure and excitement from the gallery.
Upon the second attempt, Nyachama recorded a par as Olomi had a bogey.
Uganda’s Martha Babirye, a former winner of the ladies open, scored 233 (77, 80, 76) to finish third.
Another Kenyan, Ashley Awuor, scored 234 (80, 77, 77) for fourth place as the defending champion Iddy Madina Hussein from Tanzania netted 242 (84, 81, 77) for fifth place.
Youngster Winnie Musuya, a member of Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club, was sixth overall.
Meanwhile, Christine Abbo won the bronze category with 154 gross over two rounds. Ruth Pamella Akello (166) was the runner-up.
Golfers and guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and colourful prize giving ceremony adjacent to hole 18.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open series continues with the 84th Amateurs Open, teeing off on Wednesday, 3rd September to 6th September 2025 at the same venue.
