Ogwang sets the pace as Pearl of Africa Golf Series tees off in Entebbe
Competing on his home course, Ogwang recorded six birdies, with his only setback a bogey on the par-5 15th.
Emma Ogwang tees off during the opening round of the Pearl Of Africa Golf Series Sunshine Development Tour championship at Entebbe Club, September 17 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda’s Emma Ogwang opened with a 5-under 66 to share a one-stroke lead with Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko and fellow Ugandan Deus Willy Kitata at the inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf Series Sunshine Development Tour Championship, which began Thursday in Entebbe.
Competing on his home course, Ogwang recorded six birdies, with his only setback a bogey on the par-5 15th. He shares the lead with Okoko and Kitata, both of whom posted bogey-free rounds with five birdies each in the opening round of the 54-hole championship.
“It was a tough outing, but I decided to play a calm game, one hole at a time. The putts were dropping thanks also to my good approach shots,” Ogwang said.
“I will take the same approach in the second round. I will not force shots or take unnecessary risks, as experience has taught me that doing so can ruin my game. “The day’s rain was also a blessing, as it gave me more control with my shots. I always struggle with a dry course,” Ogwang stated.
Ronald Rugumayo, who recently won the MTN Pro Tees Championship on the same course, is one stroke away, joint fourth with South African Ruan De Smidt, both having scored 67.
It promises to be a tightly contested championship as the next four golfers: South African Slade Pickering, Deo Akope, Englishman Millar Matt and Zambian Sydney Wemba are all tied in fourth, having carded 68, while there is an 8-way tie for tenth position featuring Daniel Nduva, Phillip Kasozi, Marvin Kibirige, Grace Kasango, Rodell Gaita, Bulhan Matovu, NGCOBO, Thabiso and VAN ZYL Chante, who all returned 69.
The best amateurs after the first round were national team players Joseph Cwinyaai and Anthony Otukei, who both shot 70. They are also tied with professionals Mutahi Kibugu, Nuru Morell, Peter Ssendaula, David Kamulindwa, Sean Cronje, Robinson Owiti, Abraham Ainamani, Ruben Van Der Berg, Toto Thimba Jr and Solom Ideriah from Nigeria.
Beyond the sh78 prize money, the golfers are fighting for valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
The Entebbe championship is the sixth of 12 SDT events in the 2026-27 season, designed to create more competitive opportunities and strengthen the pathway for emerging golfers. The event's highlights will also be televised on Supersport.
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Emma Ogwang (UG) 66
Godwin Okoko (NG) 66
Willy Kitata (UG) 66
Ruan De Smidt (SA) 67
Ronald Rugumayo (UG) 67
Slade Pickering (SA) 68
Deo Akope (UG) 68
Millar Matt (ENG) 68
Sydeny Wemba (ZA) (68)
Daniel Nduva (KE) 69