The oldest golfer Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza celebrated his 95th birthday at the Tooro Golf Club.
Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza was born in the ‘village of golf’ in the hills of Bukwali — a village that is also home to many golfers such as Stephen Kasaija the former national team and current head coach of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Rugumayo Ronald the Uganda open winner 2018, Otile Ronald the brace Uganda open winner 2016 and 2017, David Kamuindwa, Adolf Muhumuza, Harisson Kasaija among other top players.
Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza picked interest from the whites who used to play golf at Tooro Golf Club. He became a serious golfer in 1970 and, and won his first major in 1975 called Western Open beating Sadi Onito who used to hail from Jinja golf club. Just eight years into golf he got his first hole in one at Tooro Golf Club, Hole number 5 and he got another hole in the 9th year but this time it was on hole number 6 using iron 8. Some of the notable tournaments Mzee has won include Newsgraph, Mukwano, JBG, and Tusker.
Basaliza At 95 Golf Tournament was held at Tooro Golf Club to celebrate the Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza and Lord Bishop Roben Kasembo, RDC of Kabarole district, patrons of the club and the family members of Apuuli Basaliza were in attendance to grace the ceremony.
The tournament attracted 62 players including the youngsters from the youngest academy in the region, AFRIYEA Golf Academy. Tooro club contributed the biggest number of members followed by Kasese, Mbarara and Uganda Golf club.
Junior winners
Winner: Damian Asiimwe 72
1st Runner Up: Racheal Natukunda 35 Net in 9 Holes
2rd Runner Up: Aisha Kabasita 50 Net in 9 holes
Seniors
Winner: Atwooki Gilbert Mujogya
Runner Up: Abdul Mayaja
Group B
Winner: Mesh Feroze
Runner Up: Paul kasaija
Group c
Winner: Dr.Nyatia Edward
Runner Up: Okwir Mathias
Ladies
Winner: Joyce Kisembo
Runner Up Lillian Koowe
AFRIYEA Golf Academy student Amon Bwambale beat the rest of all other players to emerge as the overall winner
Overall Winner: Amon Bwambale 69
Runner Up: Wyliff Leo 70 Net
