Those who have played at the Palm Valley Golf & Country Club can attest that the new golf course is a great promise in the golfing history of Uganda; and perhaps East Africa.

Located within Akright Kakungulu Housing Estates – off Entebbe Road, Palm Valley’s beautifully landscaped water hazards and white sand bunkers await in front of the fantastic greens in East Africa. Numerous trees and bushes come into play on almost every hole and make this course one of the prettiest to play.

Sitting on an expanse of 120 acres of land, Palm Valley is to be an 18-holes championship course, one of the very best in East Africa. So far, nine holes are complete and playable. Orient Bank has taken the blessing of sponsoring the first tournament on this course.

The course is carefully designed with the expertise of Allan Fredrickson, a renown designer of championship courses in United Kingdom and USA. He is assisted by Mark Chatleski and Robin Evans.

Uganda Golf Union believes that the future of golf lies in the hands of the young generation. In furtherance of this vision, Palm Valley has provided an avenue where young golfers can develop their talents. The club management has plans to have golf clinics for children started. Amos Kamya, a golf professional, is has also been recruited to train youngsters and other people who want to learn golf.   

Palm Valley Golf & Country Club is the second private golf course in Uganda; and the first to be owned by a Ugandan, Amos Nzeyi.

Nzeyi is one of Uganda’s outstanding entrepreneurs with investments in banking, beverages, construction, baking and hotel sectors. Golf is the latest investment that adds to the string of his business engagements.

He is a passionate golfer, playing handicap nine, who has supported almost every charitable golf tournament at Uganda Golf Club – where he also holds membership.

In his own words, Nzeyi said “A number of years ago, while attending a Pepsi – Cola International Conference in Hawaii where one of the conference highlights was a round of golf, I was drawn to play in a very high profile four ball but had to give up my slot because I had no idea of how to hold a club – let alone how to play the game. Overwhelmed by the embarrassment of being the only invited guest not playing golf and importantly appearing very backward, I promised myself that one day I will be an active and good golfer. Establishing Palm Valley confirms my determination to be active. As for being a good golfer, I am still working on that although many have fallen victim of my putting.”

“I always take time to think about my investments before I start … but with Palm Valley, I started thinking when I was on Hole. No. 4,” he added.

HOLE BY HOLE ANALYSIS

Hole 1 – “Kidepo Valley”
The place where golfers hit and play – a long par4 with many traps, an out-of-bounds point but with a welcoming green. Play it fearlessly and putt firmly.

Hole 2 – “Bwindi Forest”
This unforgiving par3 is surrounded by a thick forest that makes the fairway look like a narrow path in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Local rules allow you to drop at point of entry because chances of finding your ball are very slim.

Hole 3 – “The Slopes of Elgon”
Aim left to hit the gentle slopes of the hill and roll into position. Many call this the kindest hole on the course. play it easy and then you can birdie on par. Go rough with it and there is a small lake that will gulp you down. Depending on the location of the pin, the green can be a challenge.

Hole 4 – “Mama Nyabo”
This is the shortest par 3 with a huge bunker on your left and out-of-bounds on your right. The pear shaped green adds to the horror – that is why the first golfers who went to Palm Valley got to the tee, looked at the challenges and shouted out that old Ugandan expression “Mama Nyabo” – literally meaning “Oh My God.”

Hole 5 – “Magherita Peak”
Named after Rwenzori’s highest peak. The first of two par5s is long and deadly. You a have a thick bush to your left, hungry bunker guarding the front of the green and it is out-of-bounds beyond the green.

Hole 6 – “River Nile”
This par5 is as long and meandering as River Nile. Getting for two is a dream for many golfers. There is a bush on the left and straight ahead both are thick and dark.

Hole 7 – “The Pearl of Palm”
Apart from out-of-bounds on the left, this hole has no undue challenges – tell a lie! There is a stream in the middle of the fairway, a small lake on the right, two bunkers guarding the front and rear of the hole – you might sweat a bit.

Hole 8 – “The Plains of the North”
Like the savannah plains of northern Uganda, this hole is the surest deal you have on the course. Go straight and go easy, you will be on the dancing floor for two and putt for glory.

Hole 9 – “Corner Kamdini”
… it is possible to get to the green on one. Infact one Ugandan pro holed it in one – but that is if you hit long and high. The rest of us should approach this hole by playing safe. Lay up to clear the dog leg and attack like a pro.