Grace Kasango beat Ronnie Bukenya by a stroke after a double play-off to win the Kinyara Golf Professionals Open at the Kinyara Golf Club on Friday.

The two professionals had tied on 144 gross each after 36 holes that warranted a sudden-death play-off on the par-5 hole-18; at the nine-hole, par-71 course.

Both players birdied the hole in the first round of the play-off before Kasango played level with Bukenya playing one-over in the second round to win his first event since turning pro last year, and taking the biggest share, off the sh10m prize money.

Three years ago it was the same golfers that came on top in the same tournament with Jinja’s Kasango winning the amateur version as Mehta Golf Club’s Bukenya won the professionals category.

“I feel good because this is my first win since I joined the professional ranks last year and I hope to build on this for more wins. Next, we have the Mbale Open and I hope I can perform there as well,” a beaming Kasango said.

Kasango opened with a five-over 76 as Bukenya played level 71, but it was the former who returned the best score of the second round (68) though it couldn’t hand him outright victory if attracted 27 professionals.

David Kamulindwa, Brian Toolit, and Marvin Kibirige tied for third with an overall four-over each while Adolf Muhumuza, Canary Kabise, Fred Wanzala, Herman Mutebi, and Silver Opio ensured they left Masindi with something in the pocket.

The two-day tournament that concludes on Saturday with amateurs is organized in partnership with Kinyara Sugar and insurance companies; ICEA LION, Liaison Group, UAP Old Mutual, Sanlam, and MUA.

Top ten in Masindi

Grace Kasango 76 68 144

Ronnie Bukenya 71 73 144

David Kamulindwa 72 74 146

Brian Toolit 73 73 146

Marvin Kibirige 71 75 146

Adolf Muhumuza 74 74 148

Canary Kabise 76 73 149

Fred Wanzala 77 72 149

Herman Mutebi 73 77 150

Silver Opio 69 81 150