The pressure was too much, I almost died on the course. At some point in the back nine, my driver went off and I started fumbling; but I gained strength at number 16 and since then, I was good – Peace Kabasweka.
Peace Kabasweka, Toro Golf Club Ladies Captain, has ruled the greens, sweeping major titles across various golf clubs in Uganda and Kenya. This last quarter of 2023, Kabasweka has won Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open, NCBA Golf Series, Singleton Matchplay Championship at the prestigious Uganda Ladies Open, all with commanding margins. She also impressive, picking the longest drive trophy, at NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale hosted at Sigona Golf Club in Nairobi early this December.
However, her biggest and dream victory is that of Uganda Ladies Open that ranks her the Uganda’s lady champion.
Kabasweka won the 2023 JW Uganda Ladies Golf Open at the par 72 Uganda Golf Club, Kitante on Saturday, October 14. The handicap 3 golfer from Toro Golf Club in the Tourism city of Fort Portal scored a total of 221 strokes in 54 holes played over three rounds.
Kabasweka won with an overall 6 birdies, 38 pars, 9 bogeys and one double bogey while Iddi Madina, her closest challenger, picked 38 pars, 5 birdies, and 11 bogeys over the three rounds in what was a fantastic performance for the Tanzanian who had last competed in the event six years ago. In the final round, Kabasweka and Madina were level heading into the par 4 Hole 18, making the gallery anxious about the final outcome in the pressure group. The fans were thrown in a frenzy when their homegirl came atop after returning a par as the Tanzanian lady star struggled to come out of the bunker and bogeyed.
Kabasweka won with an overall 6 birdies, 38 pars, 9 bogeys and one double bogey while Iddi Madina, her closest challenger, picked 38 pars, 5 birdies, and 11 bogeys over the three rounds in what was a fantastic performance for the Tanzanian who had last competed in the event six years ago.
The Toro Golf Club’s lady captain collected 221 after three rounds of action, just a stroke better than Madina.
“The pressure was too much, I almost died on the course. At some point in the back nine, my driver went off and I started fumbling; but I gained strength at number 16 and since then, I was good,” explained Kabasweka about her game.
“This is a long-awaited trophy for me. This victory means a lot for me. I am so excited,” an elated Kabasweka said to the media.
Kabasweka attributes her maiden win to her strong start to the tournament as she subjected Madina to second position throughout the tournament.
On day one, she posted a tournament record score of 4-under par 68, five shots ahead of the former. On day two, she had an overall under par 143, four strokes ahead of Madina. In the final round, rather than falter under the intense scrutiny of the crowds and the media, Kabasweka who sometimes at some point seemed to have squandered her lead, thrived at last, sinking the final putt with unerring accuracy.
Kabasweka dedicated her victory to her six-month old son, Ethan.
For Kabasweka, this victory represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it cements her status as one of the best lady golfers of her generation.
Meanwhile, Eva Magala capped the podium with a gross score of 228. Last year’s winner Martha Babirye tied for sixth with Meron Kyomugisha off a gross score of 230.
“As a premium Scotch Whisky brand, our focus is to bring golfers an experience that will leave lasting impressions. We are introducing golfers into the amazing world of Big Flavour and the crowd here has given us such a warm and befitting welcome. We are definitely looking forward to more action on and off the greens,” said Robert Nsibirwa, Uganda Breweries Limited’s Spirits Marketing Manager.
The winners were honoured with well-deserved trophies and Johnnie Walker Green and Black Label Bottles that were handed over by Uganda Breweries Ltd Managing Director, Andrew Kilonzo, and Guest of Honour, Security Minister, Hon. Gen. Jim Muhwezi.
Final Leaderboard – Top 10
| Pos. | Name | Country | Score |
| 1 | Peace Kabasweka | Uganda | 221 |
| 2 | Iddi Madina | Tanzania | 222 |
| 3. | Eva Magala | Uganda | 228 |
| T4. | Mercy Nyanchama | Kenya | 229 |
| T4. | Ashley Awuor | Kenya | 229 |
| T6. | Martha Babirye | Uganda | 230 |
| T6. | Meron Kyomugisha | Uganda | 230 |
| 8. | Judith Komugisha | Uganda | 235 |
| 9. | Harriet Kitaka | Uganda | 239 |
| 10. | Margaret Njoki | Kenya | 241 |
Cast of Champions Since 2013
| Year | Name | Origin |
| 2013 | Angel Eaton | Tanzania |
| 2014 | Flavia Namakula | Uganda |
| 2015 | Flavia Namakula | Uganda |
| 2016 | Flavia Namakula | Uganda |
| 2017 | Angel Eaton | Tanzania |
| 2018 | Neema Olomi | Tanzania |
| 2019 | Martha Babirye | Uganda |
| 2020 | Martha Babirye | Uganda |
| 2021 | Irene Nakalembe | Uganda |
| 2022 | Martha Babirye | Uganda |
| 2023 | Peace Kabasweka | Uganda |
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