Kitatta conquers Burundi, eyes Rwanda

By Michal Nsubuga

AFTER winning the 16th edition of the Burundi Open for the second consecutive year over the weekend, Willy Kitatta wants to add the Rwanda Open due in a fortnight to his collection.

The handicap +1 national team golfer returned 234 gross over three days to win the annual tournament at the Burundi Golf Club in Bujumbura.

Kitatta edged Burundi golfer Jean Simbagoye by a stroke to win the tournament, a return air ticket to Dubai and a brand new golf bag.

“I was sick when I took to the course but remained calm and played a mental game and held on to win; I now want to work hard and win the Rwanda Open which I lost by a stroke last year,” Kitatta said on return to the country.

Last year, Kitatta, shared the lead with Burundi’s Rama Hakizimana on Day One, suddenly fell two strokes behind the leader before fighting back to force a sudden death playoff that he won.

Only two Ugandan professionals, Silver Opio and Steven Odong made the cut to share on the sh24m prize money.