Golf Sixes League expands to Uganda

The Uganda Golf Union and AFRIYEA Golf Academy have announced that Uganda has officially joined the Golf Sixes League, marking a significant milestone in the program’s international expansion.

This development positions Uganda as the second African nation to host the innovative Golf Sixes league, following South Africa’s successful debut in 2024.

The Golf Sixes League is a global initiative created by The R&A, in collaboration with the DP World Tour, The Ryder Cup Europe and the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG).

Its primary mission is to attract and inspire more young people to take up golf through a fun, fast-paced, and inclusive format that emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and enjoyment.

A Global Movement Arrives in Uganda

Launched in the UK in 2017, the Golf Sixes League has grown rapidly, spreading across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. By mid-2024, the program had already reached 20 countries, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, China, and South Africa.

The format has proven highly successful in breaking down barriers to entry for young golfers by removing the intimidation factor often associated with the sport.

Each league features teams of six players competing over six holes using the Texas Scramble format, a dynamic and social variation that encourages collaboration and quick play.

The simplicity and team-based structure make it especially attractive for beginners and players without handicaps.

Uganda’s Youthful Age

With one of the youngest populations in the world (a median age of just 16) Uganda provides fertile ground for growing the next generation of golfers.

The sport, though historically less mainstream than football or athletics, has seen promising development through youth-focused programs in recent years.

The rollout of the Golf Sixes League in Uganda represents a collaborative effort between the Uganda Golf Union (UGU), the country’s national golf governing body, and the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, a pioneering junior golf program based in Fort Portal.

The project is being implemented with support from The R&A, The Ryder Cup European development trust, RCEDT) CPG, DP World Tour, and The Ladies European Tour a partnership that highlights Uganda’s rising profile in the global golf community.

Regional Launch and National Impact

The Ugandan edition of the Golf Sixes League will kick off in Western Uganda, involving golf clubs such as Masindi Golf and Sports Club, Kilembe Mines Golf Club, and Mbarara Golf Club.

The season will culminate with a grand finale at Toro Golf Club in Fort Portal this December, showcasing top young talent from across the region.

The program aims not only to introduce golf to children who have never played before but also to build a sustainable culture of youth participation creating pathways from grassroots involvement to potential national representation.

We are immensely proud that Uganda is the first East African nation to launch the Golf Sixes League in the region. We have witnessed the remarkable impact this initiative has had in the UK and across Europe, and we are committed to replicating that success here in Uganda. Through this league, we aim to inspire and engage more young people to take up golf and become part of the sport’s exciting future. There is no better pathway to introduce children to golf than through the Golf Sixes League. Its unique format, where children play as a team, removes the barriers of intimidation and fosters an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and welcomed into the game.

Dr. Jackson Were, President, Uganda Golf Union

We are proud to partner with the Uganda Golf Union and deeply grateful for the global support from The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf, the DP World Tour, and the LPGA Tour. Together, we are accelerating opportunities for people everywhere to access, play, and develop into the future champions of golf.

Isaiah Mwesige, CEO, AFRIYEA Golf Academy.