Okoko takes two-stroke lead in penultimate round of Uganda Professionals Open
After scoring 68 in the second round, Okoko improved by one stroke with a round-best 67, moving from sixth to first on the leaderboard ahead of the final round of the sh150 million prize competition.
Malawian Paul Chidale in action. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Nigerian golfer Godwin Okoko shot a five-under 67 in the third round to secure a two-stroke lead in the penultimate round of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open at Uganda Golf Club on Friday.
After scoring 68 in the second round, Okoko improved by one stroke with a round-best 67, moving from sixth to first on the leaderboard ahead of the final round of the sh150 million prize competition.
Okoko capitalised on all par 5s, making birdies on holes 1, 3, and 5, and an eagle on 8 to finish five-under on the front nine. He added birdies on the par-5 13 and par-4 16 after the turn, but a double bogey on the par-4 18 affected his final score and momentum.
Dismas Indiza put in a good shift in the third round
Paul Chidale of Malawi (69), Kenya’s Samuel Njoroge (70), and Dismas Indiza (72) moved into a five-way tie for second place with Ugandans Phillip Kasozi (73) and overnight co-leader Ronald Rugumayo (74), all trailing by two strokes.
Rugumayo, who has played the course under par in four previous tournaments, must now elevate his performance along with Phillip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa, Denis Anguyo, and Grace Kasango. All remain in contention to end Uganda’s title drought since Deo Akope’s 2014 victory on the same course.
Zambian Dayne Moore, the 2024 Entebbe champion who made a hole-in-one on hole 17 in the second round, shot a four-under 68, matching Kenyan Greg Snow. Both have positioned themselves for the final push for the title.
Ugandan Denis Anguyo in action during the third round. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
The final round is expected to be highly competitive, with only four strokes separating the leader from 11 contenders, all vying for the top prize of sh31 million.
Round 3: Top ten & ties
Godwin Okoko (NIG) 76 68 67 211
Paul Chidale (MW) 72 72 69 213
Samuel Njoroge (KEN) 72 71 70 213
Dismas Indiza (KEN) 72 69 72 213
Phillip Kasozi (UG) 71 69 73 213
Ronald Rugumayo (UG) 69 70 74 213
Dayne Moore (ZAM) 76 70 68 214
Greg Snow (KEN) 75 71 68 214
Nuru Morell (TZ) 71 71 72 214
Fon Pristhy (CAM) 70 76 69 215
David Kamulindwa (UG) 74 71 70 215
Denis Anguyo (UG) 72 72 71 215