Dr. Kato Sebbaale Dominates First Leg of Serena63 Golf Series

Dr. Kato Sebbaale, a medical professional with a passion for golf, emerged victorious in the first leg of the I&M Bank Serena63 Series. The tournament, played at the scenic par-72 course of the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Kigo, saw Sebbaale accumulate 242 points over several rounds, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

Sebbaale expressed his elation after the win, stating, “Oh, I feel great. It was a great field, great people, great golfers and coming out as a winner, it is glorious.” He explained that the tournament’s format allows players to accumulate scores over multiple rounds without immense pressure. “You come play and enjoy. When you play well, well and good. When you play badly, there is no pressure. The beauty about this is that you are given a grace period. You play many rounds so it doesn’t give you pressure,” he added, noting he played approximately 15 rounds, well above the minimum requirement of six.

The win earned Sebbaale a Callaway Quantum driver worth Shs4.3 million. He edged out defending champion Dave Plendelreith, who finished second with 232 points. Lake Victoria Serena captain Jimmy Mugerwa and Gift Shoko tied for third place with 227 points.

The event saw a strong turnout, with 124 golfers participating out of a registered field of 136, a significant increase from previous years. Annette Nakiyaga, I&M Bank’s head of marketing and corporate communications, highlighted the bank’s commitment to engaging clients through lifestyle events, while I&M Bank’s chief financial officer Timothy Musiime emphasized the series’ role in supporting the growing golf community in Uganda.

The Serena63 series is named after the lowest competitive score ever shot at Kigo by Dismas Indiza. Future legs are scheduled for September 12 and a grand finale on November 14, with the year’s champion set to receive substantial rewards including annual golf membership and extensive hotel accommodations across East Africa. The tournament’s director of golf, Theodore van Rooyen, noted this is the third edition, which has tripled in size, indicating growing player interest and participation.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/sebbaale-tops-serena-63-series-opener-5504240