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David Plenderleith has spent 63 years playing golf and he says that’s where his luck lies as he continues to lead the Serena 63 Golf Series at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa.
The defending champion is keen on retaining his title and is top in the order of merit with 179 points after the first quarter’s five rounds. He won last year’s event with 1299 points over 39 rounds to win a one-year individual golf membership subscription worth $2500 (sh9m) at the picturesque facility, in one of the most prized amateur events in the country.
Plenderleith, 70, is 16 points ahead of Duncan Kaggwa who is on 163 points, and 32 points ahead of Leena Halai (147pts) who is third in the I&M Bank-sponsored event.
David Plenderleith (right) receives his prize from the I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow after the the Serena 63 Golf Series at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
“I started very well but I declined thereafter and so I’m very fortunate to be in this position. The weather has been fantastic and we thank the sponsors for such an event,” Plenderleith said.
“I will do my best to win it again. I have persevered, I’m very fortunate that I live on this wonderful golf estate and I have lots of opportunities to play. I have been a great supporter of golf at Serena, but I think I have been lucky to be still leading. I do a bit of coaching and I look after the youth; so that is part of my life.
“I hope to get hold of my lead in the second quarter, maintain it in the second and hopefully win the championship again this year. Golf has been very good to me in life,” Plenderleith, stated.
Robin Bairstow the I&M Bank CEO presided over the prize ceremony and congratulated the course management for maintaining the facility.
“We are extending five invites to the top five finishers to our I&M golf tournament in Kenya because we are committed to supporting sport as we celebrate 50 years of existence this year,” Bairstow said.
The tournament offers Ugandan golfers from all clubs a leeway to play at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa as much as they wish, following the launch of the event that will be held over 32 weeks.
The event is held in memory of Kenyan professional Dismas Indiza’s heroics, which saw him set a new course record of 63 during the 2019 Ugandan Open.
Kate Kabenge (right) receives his prize from the I&M Bank’s Annette Nakiyaga after the the Serena 63 Golf Series at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Throughout the tournament, golfers will vie for coveted prizes, including a one-year membership worth $7500 on top of quarterly prizes based on the order of merit, and themed prizes to add excitement to the competition. The bank will also extend invitations to five winners to participate in the prestigious I&M Invitational Golf Tournament in Kenya. The overall winners will be announced on November 30.
Serena 63 Golf Series leaderboard
Dave Plenderleith 179
Duncan Kaggwa 163
Leena Halai 147
Monthly Mug winners
Overall winner
John Muchiri 74
Group A
John Byabagambi 75
Ronnie Kasirye 77
Group B
Prem Patel 79
Kartic Halai 79
Ladies Group A
Katy Kabenge 76
Gloria Nannyonga 76
Guests
Ruth Mugisha 68
Henry Kibuuka 69
Picole Lukyamuzi 72