Golfs ultimate showpiece – the MTN Friends of Golf Grand Tee-of-Tee’s which is the culmination of the monthly MTN Tee’s is scheduled for this Saturday at the Entebbe Golf Club with golfers Michael Monne and Bridget Basiima leading the men’s and women’s standings respectively.
After 11 rounds of golf, Monne leads the men’s order of merit with a net of 802 and a best of eight of 569. Breathing down his neck are Adoch Luwum (724/571), Peter Apell (799/571), Jacob Byamukama (746/583) and Milton Edimu (744/584).
Meanwhile, the evergreen Bridget Basiima, who lifted the women’s 2022 Mug of Mugs Golf Champions is gunning for the women’s top prize with a net 820 and a best of eight score of 576. She has largely held off her closest challenger Maxi Byenkya – who is second, with a net of 835 and a best of eight score of 580.
Byenkya’s scores over 11 months indicate that since July, her game has benefitted from extra precision, moving from a net of 82 in July to just 65 in November – her best score, only matched by Nakiyaga Anette in August.
A similar or better performance by Byenkya at the Grand Tee of Tee’s could cause an upset to what is expected to be Basiima’s coronation with (15/4) between the top two women going into the final round of the year. Other notable women are Moureen Okura (738/581), Venessa Peris (747/585), and Diana Nabukenya (676/594).
Speaking about the Grand Tee of Tee’s on Saturday, Michael Monne revealed that his key to winning is managing his game. “Something I try and also to enjoy myself. The other part I love is being part of the Entebbe Club fraternity,” Monne said.
Diana Nabukenya said that she intends to embrace each shot with optimism on Saturday and that she hopes for the best.
Peter Apell was philosophical and said: “This is big! But no matter your hopes or aspirations, with golf you just don’t know who you’ll be competing against on a specific day- an opponent, the course, or yourself.”
Milton Edimu said he will be chasing a top 3 slot and that he will be aggressive on the day.
The 2023 MTN Friends of Golf Grand Tee-of-Tee’s edition is part of MTN Uganda’s 25 year celebrations with partners including Huawei, Afrisave, Absa bank, ATC, Castle Lite, and CFAO Motors who will be giving out several prizes on the day.
The 19th hole experience will be themed around the Sapeurs/Sapeuses Congolese fashion movement and subculture which is devoted to mixing bright and colorful attire. The King and Queen of La Sape will be crowed after a fashion show runway challenge to award the smartest Female and male. The night will be capped by a colorful fireworks display.
