The I&M Bank Serena 63 Golf Series is back for the 2026 season, promising an extended and highly competitive calendar for amateur golfers.
The new season was officially launched on Wednesday, April 22, during an interactive press briefing held at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo, the host course for the series.
The launch event featured a series of fun golf challenges, including longest drive and nearest-to-the-pin competitions, with participation from teams representing the host venue, title sponsors I&M Bank, and members of the press.
The 28-week competition will be played under a full handicap Stableford format, where players accumulate points from each round. Only the best 18 scores will count toward the final standings.
Speaking at the launch, Golf Director Theo Van Rooyen explained that the format is designed to keep players engaged throughout the season. Participants must complete a minimum of six rounds per quarter to qualify for quarterly prizes, and at least 18 rounds overall to compete for the grand prizes. Rounds can be played at any time, giving golfers flexibility while maintaining competitiveness.
The series will feature three major events scheduled for June 20, September 12, and the grand finale on November 14. Each of these events will reward top performers in both main and subsidiary categories, as well as side bets.
“We have structured this series to encourage regular play while maintaining a high level of competition,” Van Rooyen said. “With weekly leaderboard updates and an Order of Merit system, players can consistently track their progress. The key events will highlight the best performers across different categories.”
The prize pool includes quarterly rewards based on Order of Merit standings, as well as grand prizes for overall winners. These include a one-year complimentary golf membership, Serena accommodation experiences across East Africa in destinations such as Mombasa, Nairobi, Kigali, and Zanzibar, along with golf merchandise and sponsor prizes.
Lake Victoria Serena Vice Captain John Muchiri described the series as a key fixture on the club’s calendar, noting that it offers an opportunity to showcase the quality and unique experience of the course while welcoming golfers and guests.
I&M Bank Chief Executive Officer Robin Bairstow reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the partnership, stating that the collaboration with Serena Hotels continues to support the growth of golf while delivering an enjoyable experience for participants. He added that the partnership aligns with both brands’ focus on offering premium experiences to discerning clientele.
Participation in the series is open to both members and non-members at a one-time registration fee of Shs 63,000 (USD 35).
Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, emphasized that the tournament goes beyond competition by creating a platform for engagement within the golfing community.
Beyond the competition, participants can also look forward to social and entertainment experiences, including themed “19th hole” events.
The number 63 represents the course record set by Dizmas Ndiza during the third round of the 2019 Uganda Golf Open.