Babirye persistence pays off with Entebbe Ladies Open

Martha Babirye smiles on day one of the 2023 Entebbe Ladies Golf Open | Credit: Timothy Okiror

Golf Babirye persistence pays off with Entebbe Ladies Open

Shafic Kiyaga 16:15 - 06.03.2023

Babirye, who narrowly missed out on the championship last year, clinched the title with an overall gross score of 149, beating Eva Magala by eight strokes.

Martha Babirye, the reigning Uganda Ladies Open champion, added another trophy to her cabinet by winning the Entebbe Ladies Open title over the weekend.

Babirye, who narrowly missed out on the championship last year, clinched the title with an overall gross score of 149, beating Eva Magala by eight strokes.

Playing off handicap 3, Babirye had a calm and consistent performance, hitting only one birdie in her final round of five-over 76.

She dedicated her win to her financiers and supporters, saying, "This is one of the trophies that had eluded me, so I'm so happy to have finally won it."

“I had consistent rounds and the course was in good shape, especially after the first day’s rains. I want to thank all my supporters for realizing my potential and supporting it.”

Magala finished second overall with consistent seven and eight over scores for a total of 157, while Tooro Club's Mackline Nsenga took third place with a score of 159 gross, beating UGC golfer Judith Komugisha on count-back.

Meron Kyomugisha, who trailed by three strokes going into the last round, hoped to replicate her Uganda Open chasing abilities to claim her first Entebbe title.

However, her seven bogies and four double bogies in the final round saw her slip to fifth place, finishing nine strokes away from the winning score.

Meanwhile, Irene Nakalembe beat Flavia Namakula with the two returning scores of 70 and 74 respectively of in the 'two-way' professionals' contest. Nakalembe’s victory saw her take a 60% split of the two million shillings staked by the Entebbe Club lady captain Jovia Tugume.