SENIORS GOLF OPEN: Luutu holds on to win delayed finale

What the report says

Elijah Luutu won the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open in Kampala after a delayed finish that stretched into Sunday morning, according to The Independent Uganda. The tournament began on Friday and was interrupted by poor visibility on Saturday, leaving the final group to complete the closing holes the next day. Luutu had built an early lead with a round of 72, but Joseph Bagabo cut into that advantage and briefly moved into a share of the lead on the 17th hole before stumbling on the final stretch.

The deciding moments came on the 18th hole, where Bagabo missed the fairway and later went out of bounds while trying to recover, while Luutu found a safer position and reached the green. Luutu’s par was enough to secure victory by two strokes. Hassan Pirani also pressed the leader late in the round but dropped out of contention after going out of bounds when play resumed.

Luutu said the title was the biggest of his golfing career and noted that he had not expected to compete in the seniors event. The final standings showed Luutu on 159 gross, ahead of Bagabo on 161, with Pirani and Gurbux Singh tied for third on 163.

In the women’s event, Catherine Pavie retained the Uganda Senior Ladies Open title by defeating Rose Azuba by two strokes. The result adds to the broader Uganda Golf Open series, which continues to draw local and regional senior competitors and sponsor support.