The 2024 Africa High performance training camp hosted at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kampala city officially climaxed on Sunday, 7th April.
Crucial positives, fresh experiences and new skills were learnt at this three-day camp that was graced by a dozen of Uganda Junior Golfers; 9 boys and 3 girls.
The boys included Reagan Akena, Charles Jjunju, Collins Matovu, Brian Mande, Ibrahim Ssemakula, John Musimenta, Elton Thembo, Cosmos Ocitti and Pius Ochieng.
The three girls trained were Winnie Musuya, Rachael Natukunda and Mercy Ssebaggala.
Group photo of the Uganda Junior Golfers, the PGA Coaches and local coaches after the three day training camp in Kampala | Credit: David Isabirye
“I wish to thank the Uganda Golf Union for the opportunity presented to us, our local coaches and the PGA Master Coaches. We have learnt a lot of skills which will improve our skills, of course with continous training” Akena hinted during his vote of thanks brief speech.
These junior golfers were facilitated by three coaches from the South Africa Professional Golfers Association with the auspices of the International Golf Federation (R&A).
Michael Balderstone, PGA Master Professional and the Program Manager R&A Africa High Performance Program | Credit: David Isabirye
Michael Balderstone (Program manager for the R&A Africa High Performance program and PGA Master Professional), Mpho Kelosi (PGA professional) and Mark Fairbank, a mental coach handled the intense three-training residential camp in Kampala.
These were joined by local professionals; Flavia Namakula (also Uganda national team head coach), Becca Mwanja and Hussein Bagalana.
Mark Fairbank shows Mande how it is done on the greens | Credit: David Isabirye
It was very important for the junior golfers to undergo the mental lessons. Golf requires a sober mind to make the correct decisions that can push you ahead. We handled several aspects of the mental health and addressed different situations with viable solutions.
Mark Fairbank, a mental coach (PGA Professional)
Mark Fairbank, a mental specialist
Throughout the three days, the junior golfers were taken through theory sessions (in classes), golf range and course sessions as body posture, swing, approach (chipping) and putting.
“For the three days we handled the Uganda Junior golfers, we dealt with on and off the course concerns of the game, the course management, strategy of the game as well as the technical work on the swing. The juniors are talented and willing to learn with a bright future ahead” Balderstone, the R&A Program manager of the Africa High performance program.
Flavia Namakula closely watches as Racheal Laura Natukunda swings off | Credit: David Isabirye
A theory session at Uganda Golf Club, Kampala | Credit: David Isabirye
Namakula, the national team head coach saluted the three PGA Masters’ coaches for the dedication, time and skills passed onto the Ugandan juniors.
She predicts a promising future for the Ugandan juniors after attaining crucial skills and knowledge.
“I want to thank the PGA Coaches for the knowledge passed onto the Uganda Junior golfers. This is a step in the right direction. Our Junior golfers are in the right hands of development as they target being great players” Namakula pointed.
The Uganda Junior Golf team is due to travel to South Africa for a continental junior championships coming up in a fortnight.
Uganda Junior Golfers in a theory session during the 2024 Africa High performance training camp in Kampala | Credit: David Isabirye
PGA Professional coach Mpho Kelosiwang (Fourth from right) during a session at Uganda Golf Club | Credit: David Isabirye
Mark Fairbank interacts with Uganda Golf Union (UGU) official Dr. Fred Magala at the Uganda Golf Club, Kampala | Credit: David Isabirye
It was a great opportunity to be part of the Africa High performance training camp where we learnt very many different things. Personally, my target and objective is to become a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Therefore, this training was so helpful and I will keep training to become better and better.
John Musimenta, Uganda national team golfer
John Musimenta, Uganda Junior Golfer
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