Namakula starts long route to Pro Ranks
Namakula has won everything there is on the African continent and is now looking to take bigger strides in Korea’s KLPGA Circuit this year. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
Kampala.
Flavia Namakula will not have another crack at the prestigious Uganda Ladies Open Championship.
With four titles in her closet and a chance to have a go at Alice Kego’s enviable haul of 12, the golfing soldier has opted else.
The ‘Queen of the Greens’ instead wants to have a bite at a bigger cherry in the paid ranks.
“I have made up my mind to finally turn professional,” in a fearless tone, Namakula opened up to Saturday Monitor. “I have the blessing of the Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. I am not doing this for only myself but also for Uganda.”
The 29 year-old’s long trek to the money-spinning class is, however, a treacherous one. The estimated fees for the 10-month engagement in Korea are mind-boggling. A quick glance at the budget reveals that at least $70,000 (about Shs236m) will be spent.
But aside the monies, she starts from scratch and must pass the initial Class B test in April (level between amateur and professional) to be guaranteed a playing pass so that she can start earning as she prepares for a tougher Class A qualifier in October.
“I have won it all here. If I stay, I will be doing myself a disservice. I am aware that I must adapt quickly to the weather, culture and food. I will be under PGA instructor John Kim and he tells me Korea is called the ‘Scary Jungle’.
“But I am a woman on a mission and I know if I do well, life will be better. This is also a chance to inspire many youngsters to live their dreams. I love this game and I am determined. The Lord will guide me.”
Kim, who is also the Director of Golf at Win Golf Academy where Sergeant Namakula will be based, reckons that the Ugandan has what it takes to make it in Korea, which boasts of six lady golfers out of the world’s top 10 today.
“Flavia has made a big decision,” says Kim, who has In Gee Chun (2015 US Women’s Open winner) under his tutelage. “She has to grid up her loins for a plunge into the Korea Ladies Professional Golfers Association. If she plays like I know she can, she will be a top player in the world like Hyo Joo Kim and Inbee Park.”
If all goes according to plan, the mother-of-one is expected to arrive in Korea on February 15 in time to start a two-month training regime with Kim in preparation for the first qualifier in April that will guarantee her a playing pass on the D-Tour.
NAMAKULA AT A GLANCE
Full Name: Flavia Namakula
Date of Birth: December 17, 1986
Place of Birth: Rubaga Hospital
Current Handicap: Scratch/Zero
Residence: Ganda - Nasana
Academics: Bachelor of Information
Technology, Makerere University
UPDAF Army Rank: Sergeant
Fairway percentage: 65
Tee-shot distance: 250-270 yards
MAJOR WINS
July 2008: Kenya Ladies Open
September 2010: Machakos Ladies Open
October 2010: Uganda Ladies Open
November 2011: Uganda Ladies Open
December 2011: MTN Mug of Mugs
June 2013: Best individual EACT, Lusaka
July 2013: MTN World Golfers title, Abuja
October 2014: Uganda Ladies Open
November 2014: Silver at World Military
Games in Bahrain CISM, Bahrain
July 2015: Uganda Ladies Open
October 2015: Bronze at World Military
Games, South Korea
HONOURS
Five-time Uspa Female Golfer of the Year
