The inaugural 2025 ISF World School Golf Championship kicked off in style on Wednesday, 16th July at the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Es Salam course in Rabat, Morocco. After the first round, local players from Morocco are leading the competition, while Uganda’s young players have shown potential despite challenging conditions.
Morocco’s Saad Ahalouch is currently in the lead of the Boys U-18 category with an impressive score of 3-under-par 69. Ahalouch’s round featured four birdies, an eagle, nine pars, and three bogeys, giving him a one-shot lead over Thailand’s Kittipong Kamlangklee, who finished with 70. Ahalouch’s performance has set a strong pace for the rest of the tournament.
Uganda’s Damian Asiimwe, from St. Julian High School Gayaza, is playing catch-up after scoring 99, 27-over-par. The 17-year-old, who plays off a handicap of 9, is focused on improving his performance in the upcoming rounds. While the score is not what he hoped for, Asiimwe remains determined to make a comeback and is confident that his game will improve as he becomes more familiar with the course.
In the Girls U-18 category, Morocco’s Sofia Cherif Essakali took the lead with a 2-under-par score of 70, giving her a three-shot advantage over her fellow countrywoman Sonia Bayahya, who scored 73.
Uganda’s Racheal Laura Natukunda, representing Nyakasura School, is in the top 8, sitting in 8th place with a score of 88. Natukunda had a strong start, making a birdie on the first hole, and finished the round with five pars, seven bogeys, and five double bogeys. The 16-year-old, who plays off a handicap of 11, is optimistic about improving her score in the next rounds.
The competition also features U-15 players and team events. Uganda’s team, led by coach Isaiah Mwesige, traveled with key support from the USSSA executive committee, including Richard Muhumuza and President Justus Mugisha, who are helping guide the team through their first international tournament.
Coach Mwesige acknowledged that while the opening round was challenging, the day was invaluable for learning. He praised the players for their discipline and perseverance, even when the scores did not reflect their best performances. “The players have fully familiarized themselves with the course, and we are confident that we’ll see improved scores in the next rounds,” said Mwesige.
Round two will be played on Thursday, 17th July 2025, with the nations and cultural night scheduled for Friday. The final two rounds will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and the competition is expected to heat up as players adjust and refine their strategies.
With promising performances from Uganda’s players, especially Natukunda and Asiimwe, there is hope that the team will continue to improve and challenge for top spots in the remaining rounds of the championship.
