Cwinyaai three strokes ahead as the POA Golf Series starts in Entebbe

Joseph Cwinyaai shot an opening round 3-under 68 to take a two-stroke lead as the second edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series (POA) got underway at Entebbe Club on Wednesday. 

Cwinyaai notched five birdies on the par 3s holes two and six, and on the par 5s seven and 17, and on the par 4 hole 17 to take a three-stroke lead ahead of lady golfer Martha Babirye, who shot level-par 71. 

The top amateurs in both genders are fighting it out for a combined kitty of sh5m, which will be shared among the top six. 

It should have been better for Cwinyaai, but for bogeys on the par 3s holes 8 and 12, though he remains confident of winning his first POA title, having been beaten in last year's three legs for the top amateurs at Kitante, Entebbe and Lugazi, events won by John Musiimenta, Michael Tumusiime, and Joseph Kasozi at the respective courses. 

“My strategy and my short game, as usual, were on today. The putting was okay,” Cwinyaai said. 

“I scrambled a little bit on the first four holes on the back nine, otherwise It would have been better because my target for the day was a 67, so I missed it by one. And I made a sluggish par on the 18, but I'm happy with it. 

“Heading into tomorrow (Thursday) with heads high. I have set a target score for myself over the four rounds. I want to finish off with a minus six or above. So, I still want to go down lower and lower, better than today, and that means winning the event. There's nothing else that has brought me here apart from winning the event,” Cwinyaai stated. 

In the chase for the top prize kitty of sh5m, Elton Thembo, Abdullah Kakooza, and Dominic Musoke are all tied for third, having each played 1-over 72. Joseph Kasozi, Shaka Kariisa, and Andrew Ssekibejja follow closely, having all carded 73, while Bright Mukama completes the top ten. 

On Thursday, the professionals competing for a prize purse of sh27m join the action in a 54-hole contest, with the top 20 sharing the kitty.

The professionals to look out for include last year’s Entebbe winner Herman Mutebi, David Kamulindwa, Ronald Rugumayo, Rodell Gaita, Phillip Kasozi and Silver Opio, who tend to do well at the Entebbe course.

The Entebbe leg is supported by Exim Bank, Uganda Golf Union (UGU), Vivo Energy, Aquafina, Home Bliss, MTN and Case Medical Services.

Round 1: Top ten

Joseph Cwinyaai 68

Martha Babirye 71

Elton Thembo 72

Abdullah Kakooza 72

Dominic Musoke 72

Joseph Kasozi 73

Shaka Kariisa 73

Andrew Ssekibejja 73

Bright Mukama 74