Final standings
- Iddy Madina (Tanzania) - 228 +15
- Hawa Wanyeche (Tanzania) - 230 +17
T3. Martha Babirye (Uganda) - 232 +19
T3. Neema Olomi (Tanzania) - 232 +19 - Aalaa Riyaz (Tanzania) - 238 +25
- Resty Nalutaaya (Uganda) - 240 +27
- Vicky Elias (Tanzania) - 241 +28
- Gloria Mbaguta (Uganda) - 243 +30
Martha Babirye's hopes of a fourth Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Ladies Open title ended agonisingly after the Ugandan star faltered on the dramatic day in Entebbe.
And Tanzania's Iddy Madina capitalised, winning her maiden title on a thrilling final day that will live to be remembered.
It was heartbreak for Babirye who faltered down the stretch having held a narrow one-stroke lead going into the final day.
Babirye registered a triple-bogey on the 15th hole which triggered her decline, followed by a bogey on the 16th, and a disastrous triple-bogey on hole 17.
Despite a powerful drive on the final hole, Babirye's struggles continued as she four-putted, finishing with an 80 and a tournament total of 232.
Tanzania's Iddy Madina
Without defending champion Peace Kabasweka, Madina had fancied her chances to take the crown after finishing second last year at Kitante.
It's strong to note that Madina had fumbled on the last hole for Kabasweka to win it by a stroke last year.
This time, she remained calm and focused, particularly on the final hole. While her fellow Tanzanian Hawa Wanyeche stumbled with an 8 on the 18th, Madina kept her composure, needing only two putts to clinch a two-stroke victory and lift the prized trophy.
"It's been a long journey, but this victory was worth every moment," an emotional Madina remarked after her win.
"I've dreamed of winning this tournament for years, and I'm proud to bring this title back home."
As the sun set over the Entebbe Club, Johnnie Walker ensured the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. Players, guests, and golf fans enjoyed a lavish dinner at the exclusive 19th Hole Experience.
The evening highlighted Johnnie Walker's dedication to excellence, featuring bottle service with the full UBL whisky collection, endless cocktails, and live performances by Solome Basuuta and her band, who kept the atmosphere lively all night.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Honorable Betty Amongi.
Hon. Amongi, an avid golfer herself, pledged to lead efforts to revitalize her home course in Lira and promote the sport nationwide.
Eunice Waweru, Finance Director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), emphasized the company's commitment to developing golf in Uganda. "I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the talented players who participated in this extraordinary tournament."
"At UBL, we believe in the power of excellence, progress, and passion—values embodied not only by the game of golf but by everyone who took to the course this week.
"Johnnie Walker stands for progress and excellence, and tonight we are immensely proud to celebrate women excelling in golf."
The evening concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where players were recognized for their outstanding performances. Teams from Tanzania and Ghana dominated the awards, taking home most of the trophies.
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