Ainamani, Sasidharan top Independence Golf Tournament

Professional golfer Abraham Ainamani defeated Ronald Otile in a three-hole sudden death playoff to win the Pepsi Independence Golf Tournament at the nine-hole Palm Valley Golf and Country Club course on Wednesday.

Both golfers had tied at 222 gross after the sh25m three-round competition. Ainamani clinched the victory in the playoff, played on the par-4 holes one and three, and the par-3 hole two, by a stroke.

Ainamani managed four birdies and an eagle on the par-4 18th over the three rounds to secure his first event win this year.

“I prepared well, and this is my home course, so I wasn’t under any pressure. The course is in good condition and is only problematic when it rains,” Ainamani said.

Merron Kyomugisha (left) receives her Group A winners prizes from Edward Kabuchu. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I needed this win because my target is to win at least three before the end of the year. This was a good precursor to the Entebbe Open, which comes later this month, so I will go with high spirits.”

Rodwell Gaita and Adolf Muhumuza tied for second at 223 each, while Marvin Kibirige and David Kamulindwa (225 each) tied for fifth in the event that attracted 29 professionals, 16 of whom shared the sh25m prize kitty.

The amateur event was won by Namulonge’s Sreerag Sasidharan, who carded 43 stableford points to beat 78 others to the top prize, marking his first career win since resuming golf about two and a half years ago.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m overwhelmed but very happy. I only managed five pars,” Sasidharan said after receiving his trophy from guest of honour John Byabagambi.

Samson Agamire (left) receives his Group A winners prizes from John Muchiri after the Pepsi Independence Golf Tournament. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Sasidharan was introduced to the sport a long time ago by the late Sadi Onito but couldn’t continue due to work commitments.

Elton Thembo and Merron Kyomugisha topped the men’s and ladies’ Group A, while Samson Agamire and Peace Hellen took the Group B accolades, respectively, in the event co-sponsored by Uganda Breweries.

Professionals top ten

Abraham Ainamani 72 73 77 222

Ronald Otile 74 72 76 222

Rodwell Gaita 74 72 76 223

Adolf Muhumuza 74 74 75 223

Marvin Kibirige 76 73 76 225

David Kamulindwa 76 75 74 225

Phillip Kasozi 75 71 80 226

Silver Opio 77 76 74 227

Herman Mutaawe 77 76 76 228

Emma Ogwang 75 78 82 235

Overall winner Amateurs

Sreerag Sasidharan 43pts

Professional winner

Abraham Ainamani 222gross

Group A

Elton Thembo 39pts

Godfrey Kambale 38

Denis Kabarira 34

Group B

Samson Agamire 42

Patrick Mugisha 39

Richard Mucunguzi 36

Group C

Gerald Ataremwa 38

Lawrence Omony 37

Xavier Kyooma 37c/b

Ladies Group A

Merron Kyomugisha 37

Bridget Basiima 32

Anne Abeja 30

Group B

Peace Hellen 42

Robinah Angom 37c/b

Rita Apell 33c/b

Nearest to the pin

Catherine Wabomba

Emma Tayebwa

Longest drive

Yunus Bbaale

Merron Kyomugisha