Komugisha and Kasozi clinch Absa Chairman’s Bell Golf title
The national team player rallied from behind to win his second tournament since winning the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club’s leg in Lugazi about a year ago.
Joseph Kasozi came from behind to win the Chairman's Bell tournament at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Joseph Kasozi carded an overall 6-over 222 over 54 holes to win the Absa Chairman’s Bell Golf Amateurs Tournament at the Uganda Golf Club on Thursday.
The national team player rallied from behind to win his second tournament since winning the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club’s leg in Lugazi about a year ago.
Kasozi, who finished tied third in the same event last year with Lawrence Walakira, beat John Musiimenta and Walakira to the championship by three strokes, claiming the biggest share of the sh4m prize money (sh1.2m). Musiimenta and Walakira each walked away with sh720,000/- as fourth-placed Bruce Gomushabe pocketed sh520,000. Brian Mande and Abdu Kakeeto shared sh420,000 each.
Kasozi notched 11 birdies and an eagle on the par-5 hole 5 in the second round to claim the 8th edition honours. He trailed round-one leader Walakira by five strokes after the opening round, and was one stroke behind Abdu Kakeeto after the second but played the final round better than any of the early leaders to claim the victory. Meanwhile, Musiimenta produced a best-of-the-round 71, in which he birdied holes 1, 3, 13, and 14 to finish second.
Komugisha won the ladies' division by two strokes with 239 in 54 holes. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“I came from behind to win because I didn’t putt well in the opening rounds but I worked on it and tried to be consistent in the final before dominating and winning it,” Kasozi said.
In the ladies’ division, it is Judith Komugisha who prevailed, winning by two strokes with 239 in 54 holes ahead of Gloria Kakonge, who scored 241. Komugisha took home sh760,000/- for her efforts, while Kakonge pocketed sh560,000/, as Berna Musanabera and Gloria Mbaguta, who tied for third, each banked sh340,000/. The four-in-one event will conclude on Saturday with the main event for the amateurs.
Top five amateur men
Joseph Kasozi 74 74 74 222
John Musiimenta 79 75 71 225
Lawrence Walakira 69 79 77 225
Bruce Gomushabe 75 75 77 227
Brian Mande 73 79 78 230
Abdu Kakeeto 76 71 83 230
Rd 2: Top five amateur ladies
Judith Komugisha 82 75 82 239
Gloria Kakonge 80 83 78 241
Berna Musanabera 80 85 83 248
Gloria Mbaguta 82 79 87 248
Joweria Namanda 84 78 87 249