HOPE ON THE HORIZON: A NEW SMILE FOR JUNIOR GOLFERS IN UGANDA

Under the beautiful skies of Surrey’s Bletchingley Golf Club, the members of The Social Golfer, an online golf club, gathered for their 14th annual major championship – The SOCIAL GOLFER OPEN 2023. This year’s event held extra significance as it marked the partnership between the community-based website, handicapping platform and Uganda’s AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

In a unique celebration of their partnership, the tournament featured an array of African-themed festivities, including a DJ spinning lively beats on the golf course and a cleverly crafted ‘Mud Putt’ to mirror the conditions underprivileged kids in Uganda learn to play the game.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the collaboration aimed to raise essential funds for the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, enabling the continuation of its programs that empower disadvantaged youth and children with special needs through golf. Additionally, The Social Golfer platform introduced a new TSG Handicap Index System, providing the academy’s children with a platform to record their scores and track their progress.

Generosity flowed freely at the event, with renowned golf clubs such as the Royal Norwich, West Hill GC, Frinton GC, and others generously donating 4-ball vouchers for the auction. In total, the TSG Team raised over £3.5K for Uganda’s AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

The AFRIYEA Golf Academy is deeply-rooted in the spirit of helping the underprivileged children for rural and slam areas of western Uganda where children walk several kilometers to access golf training as well as carrying golf bags. Within their community, the academy supports over 1,000 children in 21 schools with coaching, equipment, social skills and education opportunities.

The Social Golfer members donated golf clubs, balls, apparel, iPhone, iPads, and more. The website management team seized the opportunity to gather equipment to send to Uganda, with any additional funds to be used for creating a pathway for aspiring young golfers to enter the professional game by 2030. Over 500 golf clubs were donated on the day, making it an overwhelming success.

The event’s spirit of inclusivity and support for the newfound partnership was exemplified by the social golfer network, who donated branded uniforms for all the academy’s coaches representing the future of golf in Uganda.

Adding to the joyous occasion, the academy’s kids created a delightful spoof video under the title of “Ugandan Sport Channel,” discussing the potential winners of the day. The video brought laughter and tears to all in attendance, further reinforcing the power of golf to unite people from all backgrounds.

The tournament showcased a diverse field, comprising golfers both men and women with handicaps ranging from 6 to 36. The overall winners were Richard Scott (27 H’cap) and Judy Lilley (26 H’cap), both hailing from Kent. While Scott earned his first TSG Major win, Lilley secured her fourth Women’s Trophy title, cementing her place in the event’s history.

Lilley expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you, Ian, and the entire team for another fantastic day with The Social Golfers. The camaraderie was brilliant, and I loved the live broadcast, interviews, and African music welcoming us to the 19th hole. Golf should always be like this! Winning the trophy for a fourth time is thrilling, and I’ll be back next year, aiming for my fifth title!”

Isaiah Mwesige, the CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with The Social Golfer in the UK and globally. This partnership will enable us to raise funds and provide golf programs to underprivileged youth and children with special needs. We believe that golf can be a catalyst for social change, and we are committed to using the game to help these young individuals reach their full potential.

Ian Mullins, Editor of The Social Golfer, echoed Mwesige’s sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm to support the academy’s mission to provide golf programs to underprivileged kids. He believes that together, with their collective efforts, they can make a real change to golf in Uganda and across Africa, promoting sustainability, and conservation through the game.

The Social Golfer OPEN 2023 showcased the power of golf to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and make a positive impact on lives thousands of miles apart. Through this memorable event, the worlds of passion, compassion, and the sport merged, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those involved.

*Story contributed by Isaiah Mwesige who is the CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy.