Uganda golf events’ 19th-hole experiences are often a bit scripted and predictable: dinner, awards, perhaps some entertainment, and everyone calls it a day. However, on Saturday, September 26, during the Lake Victoria Serena’s inaugural Captain’s Putter Golf Tournament, the case was different. The event was hosted by Lake Victoria Serena Golf Captain Jimmy Mugerwa, who is also the Chairman of the Uganda Breweries Limited Board, and Patron of the Johnnie Walker Blue Club.
The tournament attracted a full field, with golfers teeing off at 12 pm, from different tee boxes in a shotgun start. Captain Jimmy Mugerwa teed off at number three, with a whisky toast, and the occasion also marked the launch of the third hole.
A hole-in-one prize was staked at the same hole, with a Kia Seltos up for grabs. However, the prize went unclaimed as no player managed to register a hole-in-one. Sahil Halai emerged the Overall Winner, scoring 43 points. He received a trophy, a Callaway Odyssey 2-Ball Putter and a Cornerstone Hamper.
“It was an amazing round, unbelievable golf I played out there. You know, one of those, I think it happens to everyone, they say that once in a while you just have a round where everything just keeps going the way it should be. So it was amazing,” Sahil said.
Other winners included Allan Atuhaire (Guest Winner, 39 points), Rhoda Kimera (Ladies Group B, 38 points), Gloria Nanyonga (Ladies Group A, 34 points), Dr John Byabagambi (Men Group C, 35 points), Patrick Sumata (Men Group B, 38 points), and Henry Kibuuka (Men Group A, 39 points).
Side-bet winners included Uganda Golf Union President Dr Jackson Were (Best Recovery Shot), Claver Serumaga (Most Balls in Water), Suresh Patel (Biggest Smile), George Nkya (Best Dressed), Katy Kabenge (Nearest to Pin Ladies), David Batanda (Nearest to Pin Men), Grace Mayiani (Longest Drive Ladies), and Banza Matsiko (Longest Drive Men).
The 19th hole was transformed into a luxurious Johnnie Walker Blue Club social experience, bringing together golfers, Jimmy’s friends, members of Uganda’s business community and Blue Club members, for an evening of whisky, dinner, music and networking.
The festivities kicked off with a Johnnie Walker Blue Label toast on a yacht, led by Captain Jimmy himself, accompanied by Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager, Christine Kyokunda, Lake Victoria Serena Director of Golf, Theo Van Rooyen and other stakeholders.
Later, guests were welcomed to the experience with complimentary Johnnie Walker cocktails of different flavours before settling in for a sumptuous dinner, with live band music playing in the background.
In his address, Mugerwa, also the Patron of the Blue Club, thanked everyone who has contributed to the growth of both the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Society and the Johnnie Walker Blue Club.
In fact, the longest part of his speech was dedicated to recognising different personalities from different walks of life for their contribution and support.
“I was initially a little worried about the weather, but thankfully everything came together beautifully. The inaugural Captain’s Putter has been a tremendous success, and I want to thank our partners, the golfers, the Serena team and everyone who came out to support us,” Mugerwa said.
“We wanted to create an experience that went beyond the golf, bringing people together to enjoy the game, good company and meaningful conversations. I am particularly pleased with how the Johnnie Walker Blue Club experience has come together and how it has brought together not just our members, but different people. I look forward to seeing the Captain’s Putter grow,” he added.
Johnnie Walker’s Christine Kyokunda noted that by taking over the 19th-hole experience, Johnnie Walker was able to give consumers an opportunity to engage with the brand while also introducing more people to the Blue Club.
“We have had an amazing experience, engaging our consumers about the Johnnie Walker brand, and more importantly the Johnnie Walker Blue Club. I am happy to announce that we managed to get more members to sign up for the Blue Club. It’s been quite a wonderful action and fun-filled day. Golf is very synonymous with our Keep Walking platform, because every step forward counts; this is a platform that we will continue to partner with,” Kyokunda said.
The evening also included a whisky masterclass, while the gifting bar ensured guests had an opportunity to personalise different Johnnie Walker products. The event featured live music performances from Myko Ouma and the Band, as well as top vocalist- Elijah Kitaka, who performed some of the fans’ favourites from his catalogue. Lake Victoria Serena’s Theo Van Rooyen revealed that the Captain’s Putter will be an annual tournament going forward.