Namakula stuns top ladies in Nairobi golf
Jul 06, 2008
UGANDAN amateur golfer Flavia Namakula stunned Kenya and Tanzanian professionals to win the Kenya Ladies Stroke play championships.
By Reuben Olita
in Nairobi
UGANDAN amateur golfer Flavia Namakula stunned Kenya and Tanzanian professionals to win the Kenya Ladies Stroke play championships.
The tournament ended at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Sunday.
Namakula, 22, an information technology graduate of Makerere University, achieved the feat when she won the 54-hole tournament with gross 236 at the par 71 club that returned to use after years of renovation.
The Ugandan was one shot ahead of Mary Karano of Kenya who finished second. Another Kenyan, Florence Maina (240), and leading East African golfer Sophie Viggo of Tanzania with 241 finished in that order.
It was Namakula’s first major tournament win since taking up in the spot after graduating last year from MUK.
“It was a pleasant surprise. With that unexpected gift to Ugandans, I am now focused to turn pro and attain a lot better things,†Namakula told The New Vision after the event.
Namakula attributed her success to her coach Norah Mbabazi whom she said was her role model and to Uganda Ladies Golf Union led by chairlady Alice Owori for financing her trip to Nairobi.
“UGLU has done me proud. I would not have entered into the annals of history of the ladies’ event had they not financed my trip,†she added.
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Kenya Ladies stroke play
1. F. Namakula (Uga) 236
2. M. Karano (Ken) 237
3. F. Maina (Ken) 240
4. S. Viggo (Tz ) 241
in Nairobi
UGANDAN amateur golfer Flavia Namakula stunned Kenya and Tanzanian professionals to win the Kenya Ladies Stroke play championships.
The tournament ended at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Sunday.
Namakula, 22, an information technology graduate of Makerere University, achieved the feat when she won the 54-hole tournament with gross 236 at the par 71 club that returned to use after years of renovation.
The Ugandan was one shot ahead of Mary Karano of Kenya who finished second. Another Kenyan, Florence Maina (240), and leading East African golfer Sophie Viggo of Tanzania with 241 finished in that order.
It was Namakula’s first major tournament win since taking up in the spot after graduating last year from MUK.
“It was a pleasant surprise. With that unexpected gift to Ugandans, I am now focused to turn pro and attain a lot better things,†Namakula told The New Vision after the event.
Namakula attributed her success to her coach Norah Mbabazi whom she said was her role model and to Uganda Ladies Golf Union led by chairlady Alice Owori for financing her trip to Nairobi.
“UGLU has done me proud. I would not have entered into the annals of history of the ladies’ event had they not financed my trip,†she added.
---------------------------
Kenya Ladies stroke play
1. F. Namakula (Uga) 236
2. M. Karano (Ken) 237
3. F. Maina (Ken) 240
4. S. Viggo (Tz ) 241