Uganda Breweries Limited through its premium brand Tusker Malt Lager brand has today announced its sponsorship of the 2015 Uganda Golf Open tournament slated for July 15th – August 1, 2015.
Uganda Breweries which is sponsoring the event for the 5th year consecutively is injecting a total of UGX515million into the tournament; UGX200million of which is in cash while the UGX315million will go into activations, branding, beer, giveaways uniforms for caddies and players, among others. This implies that the professionals will yet again tussle it out for a share of UGX100mstaked by UBL.
Speaking during a press briefing to announce the sponsorship package, Mrs. Grace Nshemeire Gwaku, the Marketing Director UBL noted that the game of golf has quickly transformed into a vehicle capable of fosteringsocio-economic transformation in Uganda. She added that this is the underlining reason that UBL chose to partner with the Uganda Golf Union so as to popularize the game.
“We are proud to be sponsoring the Uganda Golf Open for the fifth consecutive year. Our aim is to partner with the Uganda Golf Union and together make the Tusker Malt Uganda Open one of the most sought after tournaments in Africa. The participation of the Sunshine Tour players is testament that we are on the right track.”
According to the Uganda Golf Union, while last year saw the participation of about 350 golfers, this year will see the participation of over 875 players over the 16 days of the open.
Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the UGU President lauded UBL for championing the drive to popularize the sport in the country. He said that the increase in the number of club memberships countrywide is an indicator of a change in perception about the game.
“As the Union, we would like to show our sincere appreciation to Uganda Breweries Limited for its continued support. Participation in the annual tournament over the years has grown largely as a result of their continued sponsorship,” Kiwanuka said.
He also explained that in order to attract a sizeable field from the Sunshine Tour, the dates for this year’s Uganda Open have been chosen to suit their schedule.
“The dates for the professional open coincide with the slack period of the Sunshine Tour members. Moreover, they are at the back of a potential Sunshine Tour event in Mombasa the week before which will allow players to seamlessly transfer to Uganda for the Open. We are also hoping to attract players from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) tour,” he added. “I encourage all players to book and register for the appropriate categories in which they belong before the set deadlines dates so that we can prepare to host another wonderful Uganda Open in 2015.”
He also added that the course at the Uganda Golf Clubhas been prepared to match the highest global standards.
“All tests that have been carried out on these luscious grounds have proved that the club has the capacity to handle a tournament of this magnitude. We believe that the course will challenge our local golfers to up their game,” Kiryowa explained.
The PRO-AM event where amateurs get the chance to horn their skills whilst playing alongside professionals has also been maintained on an invitational basis for the 2015 event. The ladies Open Tournament which used to be a separate event is also now part of the Uganda Open.
Subsidiary categories in the Ladies, Amateur and Professional opens have been introduced. These will however have a cut of half the field to allow smooth play on the last day while allowing for increased competition in these categories. The amateur main event will also have a cut after 36holes.
Tusker Malt Lager embodies the spirit of the game of golf; it is brewed longer than other contemporary lagers giving it that unmistakably rich, smooth premium taste that is widely recognized and that consumers have grown to love. The game of golf shares in the characteristics of Tusker Malt Lager – both being premium but accessible.