Akope to focus on MENA Tour

By Douglas Mazune 

UGANDAN professional golfer Deo Akope has opted to focus on the 2014 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Tour which starts in Morocco next month. 

Akope explained that he will not compete in the Sunshine Tour in southern Africa because he needs to focus his limited resources in one area to produce results. 

The MTN-sponsored Akope who made his MENA tour debut last season when he competed in four events in United Arab Emirates, observed that it was important to start his campaign in Africa. 

“I am already in the gym working on my fitness. I do road work as well,” the Kampala player told New Vision. 

He added, “right now, I am not paying much attention to hitting the ball. The MENA Tour is so demanding and it requires physical and mental strength beside the skill.” 

The 10-round tour which intended to give exposure to upcoming pro¬fessionals in Africa and Asia, has a purse of at least $50,000 (sh130m) per event. 

Akope, who failed to make the cut last season, reckons he is more prepared this year and hopes to earn some money. 

The Uganda Professional Golfer Association captain intends to make use of the Barclays Kenya Open early next month and the Rwanda Open in the same month as a build up for MENA tour. 

“The Morocco event will be as competitive as the rest of the tournaments on the tour because everybody is expected to come to Africa,” Akope stated.