LUGAZI, Uganda | It took a sudden-death playoff against Tanzania's Neema Olomi before Kenya's Mercy Nyachama clinched the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open at the Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.

Nyachama, a member of Njoro Country Club in Nakuru, has been searching for a first victory on Ugandan soil since 2017.

Nyachama needed a sudden-death victory during the second attempt on the par-3 hole 8 after tying with Tanzania Neema Olomi with 230 strokes apiece in 54 holes played over 3 rounds.

“I feel honoured for this victory,” Nyachama sighed after receiving her trophy and a bouquet from the chairperson of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union, Rita Akol Apell.

“This has been a great time for me at Lugazi. I came in early and had a feel of the course,” she added.

Nyachama played 7-over 78 during the opening round, improved to 4-over 75 for round two and climaxed with 6-over 77 on the final day of the competition but tied with the overnight leader Olomi.

TWO SENIORS CHAMPIONS

A week earlier, Scotland's David Plenderleith and France's Catherine Pavie emerged winners of the tournament opening Seniors event of the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open at the Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.

Plenderleith's 167 gross was enough to win the title, edging John Muchiri by 3 strokes. Defending champion Stephen Katwiremu could only manage 10th place, 18 strokes behind.

There was also a new women's champion after holder Edrae Kagombe faltered on day two. Pavie won the title with 192 gross.