Kasango fires 66 to lead as Rugumayo lurks one stroke behind
The Kampala golfer enjoyed a bogey-free round punctuated by four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 hole 13 to take the lead ahead of Ronald Rugumayo, who shot 67.
Grace Kasango enjoyed a bogey-free round as the Chairman's Bell tournament started at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Grace Kasango shot an opening round 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead as the Absa Chairman's Bell Golf Professionals' Tournament teed off at Kitante on Tuesday.
The Kampala golfer enjoyed a bogey-free round punctuated by four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 hole 13 to take the lead ahead of Ronald Rugumayo, who shot 67.
Kasango, who finished second in the same event last year, started strongly, notching three birdies in a row on the par-5 holes 1 and 3 before he added another on the par-5 hole 5 to finish the front nine 4-under. An eagle on the 13th sealed the perfect day for the towering golfer who is determined to win it this time.
"I had to have my presence felt. I had a good run, and I hope to maintain it because I have shot a 64 on this course before. I think I can win it because I feel I'm in the competitive zone at the moment and I'm not about to weather, so expect consistency from me," Kasango stated.
Second-place Rugumayo enjoyed an even better start and hit 8 birdies, the most by any of the 32 contestants, but bogeys on the par-3 holes 11 and 17 and the par-4 15 let him down; he remains hot on the heels of the leader. Abraham Ainamani and Rodell Gaita are the other golfers who managed to score under par, with 2-under 70 and 1-under 71, respectively. Silver Opio and David Kamulindwa each played level 72.
In the elite amateurs' 54-hole competition, played concurrently with the pros' event, Lawrence Walakira took a 4-stroke lead over Brian Mande, who carded 73. Joseph Kasozi and Edgar Muzahura each played 74, while Ian Kalema, Bruce Gomushabe, Hassan Kiyemba, and Ernest Rukundo were tied for fifth place.
In the ladies' division, Frista Birabwa's 6-over 78 was the best score in the opening round, two strokes better than Harriet Kitaka, Gloria Kakonge, and Berna Musanabera, who all played 80. Rose Azuba carded 81.
The professionals' event, to be played over 72 holes, has a kitty of sh20m, while the gross amateurs—men and women—have a combined sh6m (sh4m and sh2m, respectively). Absa Bank's commitment of sh185m to the 8th edition of the event promises more thrilling golf as Uganda's finest talents compete across all categories.
Pros Round 1
Top ten and ties: Pros
Grace Kasango 66
Ronald Rugumayo 67
Abraham Ainamani 70
Rodell Gaita 71
Silver Opio 72
David Kamulindwa 72
Flavia Namakula 73
Phillip Kasozi 73
Marvin Kibirige 75
Herman Mutaawe 75
Hussein Bagalana 75
Gerald Kabuye 75
Top five Amateurs
Lawrence Walakira 69
Brian Mmande 73
Joseph Kasozi 74
Edgar Muzahura 74
Ian Kalema 75
Top five ladies
Frista Birabwa 78
Harriet Kitaka 80
Gloria Kakonge 80
Berna Musanabera 80
Rose Azuba 81