Kitatta takes on Africa's best

By Douglas Mazune

ONE would expect dominant amateur golfer Willy Kitatta to be contented with routine victories at home but the desire for better competition keeps him in and out of Kenya.

Kitatta had his latest trip to Nairobi yesterday where he will play in the Muthaiga Open that has attracted competitors from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Nambia.

“I no longer have competition in Uganda. Competing with highly rated amateurs from other countries will help me improve my game. It’s quite expensive but I have got to sacrifice because I have a career to build,” Kitatta told New Vision Sport before departure yesterday.

The 54-hole tournament will see competitors play 36 holes on Friday and wind up with 18 on Saturday.

Kitatta who is rated 5525 in the world will improve his ranking if he performs well in the tournament.

“I just played in the Nyali Open last season and got ranked. I will have to compete in such tournaments to brighten my future in the sport,” Kitatta remarked.

Kitatta who has twice finished second in the Uganda Open intends to turn professional in the United States of America (USA) later on this season.

He needs to improve his amateur record before he joins a US college through which he will turn professional.