The U.S. Golf Kids Uganda local tour successfully came to a fascinating climax at the magnificent Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa course in Kigo on Sunday.
This picture-perfect golf course lies on the banks of Lake Victoria with outstanding views of the lake and ample bird life. The course is a must-play for all players, which is rated among the best courses in the East African Region because of its unique features, such as the island green finishing hole.
Dubbed the NCBA Uganda Open, the Local Tour aimed at offering young golfers the opportunity to compete in a multi-day championship event and qualify for U.S. Kids Golf Priority Status.
By earning different levels of Priority Status, players can qualify for other U.S. Kids Golf Major Championships, including Regional, International, and World or World Teen Championships.
For the many kids participants that took part in the different age groups, it was mainly about winning medals and trophies. But for Aaron Ssozi and Abisha Miracle, the tournament served as a stepping stone in their pursuit of achieving their golfing targets.
At the final day of the season, that had six series, Kabojja International Scholar, Aaron Ssozi came third from his under 12 age category with 119 Gross Score.
Despite not swinging to his expectations, Ssozi applauded the social networking from the event and highlighted how of great importance the tour was in achieving his golfing ambitions.
“I have found it good, able to socialize with other kids golfers, saw the progress of my talent in the sport and had fun,” Ssozi (12) told ChimpReports.
He continued: “The overall performance was not the best as compared to my preparations, but I have tried and there is room for improvement. My target was to get a score below 86 but I was challenged by the rains sometimes, where it took me four hours to complete nine holes, which got me too tired, yet some players were too slow.”
“The competition was more of beating the course and I didn’t focus on opponents, which would have worsened my game, and yet golf is an individual sport.”
Inspired by mum (Aminah Ajio) and dad (Fred Mukasa Ssozi), the promising prospect saluted his coaches (Hussein and Baker) for the incredible training sessions and set achievable targets going forward.
“I want to see my self being able to play under-par-golf, Burdies, Eagles and Hole in One,” submitted Ssozi.
He looked to be sharing similar aspirations with his agemate Miracle Abisha, who scored 99 after 18 holes.
Despite ending the tour successfully, Abisha encountered similar challenges like rains that tampered with his playing strategy while several balls went into barriers.
“The target was to below 90 but because my balls went into barriers, I ended up loosing marks.” Abisha, a Grade 5 student from Aswitwe International School highlighted.
“The competition was fair because I had played prior tournaments at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante and I am looking forward to continue training and improve, since practice makes perfect. I hope I will score below 90 to win such tournaments going forward.”
US Kids Golf is a global franchise around the world, that has spread wings in 150 countries globally, having over 2000 participants.
Every age category has a different setup, where golfers play on a gross score, not handcap.
“Twelve age groups took part in the kids golf tour and we encourage them to keep going because they know where they started from.” Briefly chipped in Theodor Van Rooyen, the director of golf at Lake Victoria Serena Kigo.
