Sports 20 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Challenge Tour Debut Boosts Marvin Kibirige's Golf Horizons
Ugandan golfer Marvin Kibirige is competing in the DP World PGTI Open, co-sanctioned by the Challenge Tour, after strong performances on the Professional Golf Tour of India. Fellow Ugandan Ronald Rugumayo has also secured spots in Challenge Tour events in France. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/challenge-tour-expands-scope-for-kibirige--5396976
Marvin Kibirige, the 23-year-old Ugandan pro from Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club in Namulonge, has been competing on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) since arriving in the country on January 11. He has participated in tournaments in Ahmedabad, New Raipur, New Delhi, and Kolkata, making the cut in three out of four main events.
His solid Q-School showing earned him a place in the DP World PGTI Open at Classic Golf & Country Club in Gurugram, Haryana. This weekend’s event, co-sanctioned by PGTI and the Challenge Tour (now HotelPlanner Tour), offers a $300,000 (Shs1.13b) prize purse. ‘I am feeling good. It’s a big step for me, but I’ve prepared well and I’m ready to embrace it,’ Kibirige said. ‘Just going to trust my game and enjoy the experience.’
The Challenge Tour serves as the official development pathway to the DP World Tour. Ronald Rugumayo, another Ugandan, earned a DP World Tour invite for the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge and the Blot Open de Bretagne in France.
Looking ahead, Kibirige eyes the Hero Indian Open next week, a PGTI and DP World Tour co-sanctioned event with $2.55 million (Shs9.6b) in prizes.
Kibirige at a Glance:
- Full Name: Marvin Kibirige (Nickname: Max)
- Born: December 13, 2002
- Started Golf: 2007
- Home Club: Mary Louise Memorial Golf Club, Namulonge
- Turned Pro: 2022
- Favorite Golfer: Tommy Fleetwood
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)