To successfully defend his Johnnie Walker Uganda Open title, Godfrey Nsubuga will need to overcome a highly competitive field of skilled and seasoned golfers in the tournament, which starts on Wednesday at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club.

The US-based Nsubuga faces significant challenges from 2021 champion Joseph Cwinya-ai, last year’s runner-up Ibra Bagalana, Entebbe golfers Elton Thembo and Cosmos Ociti, as well as a formidable group of Kenyan amateurs spearheaded by Adel Balala.

However, Nsubuga says that he’s not under pressure to defend the title, as he views it as an opportunity to enjoy the game and focus on continuous improvement rather than solely on retaining the championship.

“Personally, I have no pressure defending the title. My target right now is to play the course, have fun, and enjoy myself,” Nsubuga said just before tee-off.

Nsubuga says that he has acclimatized to the local conditions and is prepared to adapt to the unique challenges the course presents, ensuring he is ready for the competition.

“I was able to make it to the country earlier, so I had some days to practice. There’s no easy course. I’m ready to play the course the way it is. It’s not in the same condition as the ones I have been playing on, but this is home. A better player should be able to adjust,” Nsubuga added.

The lure of a kitty of Shs 15 million has enticed the region’s top golfers, including those from Rwanda. This year’s edition is the 83rd in history. The first Uganda Golf Open happened in 1932 and was won by H. Davidson. Until 2018, the Open was played only at UGC. But since then, it rotates between Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, and UGC. Next year’s Open will be held at Kigo before it returns to UGC in 2026. With a record 12 titles, Sadi Onito is the most successful golfer of all time.

Other sponsors of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open are ABSA Bank, Pinnacle Security Limited, Aquafina, Case Medical Services, HH Solutions, Medisell, NCS, MTN, and NBS Sport.