After years of near misses, Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama finally etched her name into Ugandan golf history, claiming the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open in dramatic style at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club on Saturday.
It wasn’t straightforward. Nyanchama and Tanzania’s Neema Olomi were inseparable after 54 holes, both carding 230 gross to set up a nerve-wracking playoff. On the par-3 8th, both golfers kept their cool with pars at the first attempt. But on the second trip down the same hole, Olomi faltered—missing a ten-foot putt—leaving Nyanchama to seal her maiden Ugandan crown with a steady par.
For the Njoro Country Club star, the win was the culmination of a long chase. Since debuting at the Uganda Ladies Open in 2017, she has come agonisingly close—including finishing three strokes short of Irene Nakalembe in 2021. Having already won the Tanzania Ladies Open last year, her Lugazi triumph represents a landmark moment in her regional dominance.
Uganda’s Martha Babirye, a three-time champion, produced the lowest score of the final round (76) with four birdies, but a costly second round left her three shots adrift. She edged Kenya’s Ashley Awuor by a single stroke to settle for third place.
Meanwhile, defending champion Iddy Madina of Tanzania endured a difficult tournament on Lugazi’s hilly terrain, finishing fifth despite carding her best score (77) on the last day.
This year’s Open was played under the theme “She Walks”, a celebration of women’s resilience, grace, and ambition. Away from the course, the 19th hole buzzed with entertainment led by singer Vinka, as sponsors including Johnnie Walker, Absa, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Aquafina, MTN MoMo, Uganda Tourism Board, and Medisell Uganda reaffirmed their support for the women’s game.
Nyanchama’s win not only delivers Kenya another regional golf crown but also ensures that the Uganda Ladies Open continues to live up to its billing—a tournament of drama, resilience, and trailblazing women.
