Kasozi leads as Uganda Golf Open Amateur Championship starts
The national team player drained six birdies in what was a perfect opening round only soiled by a double bogey on the par-4 12, to take the lead ahead of compatriot Abdullah Kakooza, who shot a 3-under 69.
Joseph Kasozi conteplates before holing out on the 18th hole during the first round. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda’s Joseph Kasozi carded an opening round 4-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead as the 85th edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open Championship teed off at Uganda Golf Club on Tuesday.
The national team player drained six birdies in what was a perfect opening round only soiled by a double bogey on the par-4 12, to take the lead ahead of compatriot Abdullah Kakooza, who shot a 3-under 69.
Kasozi made the turn on three under, having birdied the par-5 holes 1, 5, and 8 before he added a birdie on the par-4 10. But a double bogey on 12 soiled his card before he made amends on the par-4s 14 and 15 that ensured he remained top after the opening round.
On his part, Kakooza, who notched five birdies, was also hampered by bogeys on the short par-3s, holes 6 and 11, but remained a strong contender going into the second round of the World Amateur Golf Ranking 72-hole event, which also has a number of foreigners in contention.
John Musiimenta’s strong start saw him finish the opening round 2-under 70, while Lawrence Walakira, who carded a 71, was fourth going into the second round. The most unfortunate Ugandan in the opening round was youngster Anthony Otukei, who led with 5-under on the turn before the skies opened up.
Three birdies on the par-5s 1, 5, and 8 and an eagle on hole 3 were the perfect start he would ever want, but six bogeys after the afternoon rain on the back nine derailed him, finishing with 1-over 73.
The defending champion Joseph Cwinyaai, Paul Habyarimana, Juma Abiti, Derrick Musana, and Zambian Musampa Kapoma all tied for sixth.
Another Zambian, Dominic Musonda, who finished second last year in Lugazi, is fifth after an opening-round 72. Last year, Musonda led for three rounds before his late collapse handed Cwinyaai the advantage, winning by three strokes.
This year’s edition brings an even stronger field, with the Ugandans up against 12 foreign entrants, including Zambians, Kenyans, US players Kenny Burth and Lawrence Cooper, Thomo Mokgatle from Botswana, and Mongiwetfu Masuku from Swaziland.
Round one: Top ten
Abdullah Kakooza (UG) 69
John Musiimenta (UG) 70
Lawrence Walakira (UG) 71
Dominic Musonda (ZAM) 72
Joseph Cwinyaai (UG) 73
Paul Habyarimana (UG) 73
Juma Abiti (UG) 73
Musamba Kapoma (ZAM) 73
Derrick Musana (UG) 73
Antony Otukei (UG) 73