Uganda makes historic debut at inaugural ISF World School Golf championship
1 st ISF World School Golf Championship (Morocco 2025)
Round 1 Selected results:
Boys U-18:
Leader: Saad Ahalouch (Morocco) – 69
2: Kittipong Kamlangklee (Thailand) – 70
Damian Asiimwe (Uganda) – 99
Girls U-18:
Leader: Sofia Cherif Essakali (Morocco) – 70
2: Sonia Bayahya (Morocco) – 73
8: Racheal Laura Natukunda (Uganda) – 88
It was history boldly written as Uganda took part in the first ever edition of the ISF World School Golf Championship at
the picturesque Royal Golf Dar Es Salam course, Rabat city in Morocco.
The first round had the finest young golfers from around the world battle under two different age groups (U-18 and
U-15).
For Uganda, it was a big plus being among the four African nations in the competition with hosts Morocco,
Nigeria, Cameroon and Uganda.
Infact, Uganda is the only country from the East and Central African zone competing.
Two Moroccan teenagers are in the lead for the U-18category; Saad Ahalouch and Sofia Cherif Essakali under
the U-18 male and female categories respectively.
Uganda’s players Damian Assimwe (from St Julian High School Gayaza) and Racheal Laura Natukunda
(Nyakasura School) have optimally utilized the opportunity to play on a championship course, arguably the best on
the continent.
Assimwe, handicap 9 scored 99 and Natukunda returned to the club house a score of 88.
Head coach Isaiah Mwesige cites key positives from the opening round.
“The opening day was not our best showing in terms of scores, but it was one of our most important days in terms
of learning” Mwesige opened up.
“Competing on the world stage is never easy, and while our players did not perform at the level we hoped for, they
showed character, discipline, and a willingness to keep fighting.” He adds.
Day two strategy:
Mwesige anticipates improved second and subsequent rounds as the players are now fully acquitted to the
demanding course conditions.
“As we head into day two we have revised our game strategy and we are confident of producing scoring that
represents our top performers. The players have fully familiarized with all the corners of the course and up to the
challenge” he reasons.
USSSA President Justus Mugisha and Executive Committee member are also in Morocco to fully rally the
players as they liaise with the top ISF officials going forward.
Round two is on Thursday, 17 th July 2025. Friday will be a resting day on the course as the players harness their skills on the driving range and practice greens prior to the nations’ and cultural night.
Saturday will present round three and the fourth round will come on Sunday before departures.