Pearl of Africa Series Welcomes Strong African Contingent to Entebbe

The Pearl of Africa (POA) Golf Series is set to reach new heights this week as it welcomes a substantial contingent of 21 professional golfers from across Africa to compete at Entebbe Club. This marks a significant leap for the series, now in its second year, as it has been incorporated into the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) and the Big Easy Tour, which serve as feeder circuits for the prestigious Sunshine Tour in Southern Africa.

Juliet Anena, the visionary behind the POA Golf Series, expressed her enthusiasm for the expanded scope, stating her dual aim to promote Uganda as a tourist destination through elite golf while simultaneously fostering the growth of the sport within the country. The event boasts a prize kitty of $20,000 (Shs79 million), underscoring its growing appeal and the quality of competition expected.

Ugandan professionals are preparing for their toughest test yet. Ronald Rugumayo, fresh off winning five consecutive tournaments, including the 21st Uganda Professionals Open, leads the local charge. Rugumayo, who has experience on the Big Easy Tour, understands the challenge of maintaining his winning streak against a field that includes seasoned international players.

The competition will feature a diverse array of talent. Notable international players include South Africa’s top quartet of Ruan de Smidt, Ruben Van Der Berg, Dillon Germshuys, and Ruan Groenewald. Past SDT East Africa leg winners like US-based Ugandan Willy Deus Kitata and Kenya’s six-time Uganda Pros Open champion Dismas Indiza are also in contention. The field will also see participants from Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, and eSwatini, with prominent figures like Jastas ‘Pastor’ Madoya, known for winning Opens at Entebbe, also competing.

In addition to the men’s competition, a strong field of professional women will vie for the prize money. This includes eSwatini’s Nobuhle Dlamini, South Africans Ellandri van Heerden and Chante van Zyl, Nigeria’s Cynthia Maurice, and Ugandan golfers Flavia Namakula and Evah Magala.

This expanded lineup promises a dynamic and competitive 54-hole tournament, offering Ugandan golfers a valuable opportunity to test their skills against some of the continent’s best on a recognized professional platform.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/sweet-blend-of-african-pros-meet-at-poa-series-5597086