Akope, Bagalana make the cut as Safari Tour golf gets underway

Uganda Safari Tour players Deo Akope and Abbey Bagalana made a morale-boosting start, when they made the cut in the first round of this season’s (2021/2022) Safari Tour Golf series events at Sigona Golf Club.

The two Ugandans were part of the over 60 players that took part, but only the two of five Ugandans that got a share on the sh64m prize money.

Bagalana and Akope finished 18th and 19th with 299 and 300 gross respectively over the four rounds; out of 22 players that made the cut to earn some cash, ahead of the second round at Vetlab Sports Club, October 2-6.

Other Ugandan golfers Brian Toolit, Phillip Kasozi and Abraham Ainamani alongside 38 other Kenyan golfers missed the cut.

Mudanyi in action

Sigona golfer Mohit Mediratta and Vetlab’s Edwin Mudanyi who only joined the paid ranks a few years ago were the top earners on the day after posting 284 gross and tying with Mohit Mediratta in first place.

But it was Muthaiga amateur golfer Taimur Malik who emerged the overall winner of the opening leg of the event after edging out home golfer Mohit Mediratta on a two-way play-off. The two had beaten Vet Lab pro Edwin Mudanyi on a three-way play-off after the trio tied on a four under par 284 apiece after the four rounds.

After the Sigona leg, September 25-29, action continues at the Vetlab Sports Club, October 2-6 before it moves to the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort, October 9-13 and before the Nyali Golf Club, October 16-20.

Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort will host the last event of October on 23-27 before more action returns to Kenya next year.

Before the Limuru Country Club leg January 22-26, Uganda could chip in with the Uganda Open like they did last year.

The Karen Country Club (February 5-9) and the Muthaiga Golf Club one on February 12-16 are the last events on the schedule that will constitute the-2021/2022 Safari Tour.