Opio leads Entebbe’s Kabalaza Golf Championship

Entebbe Club professional golfer Silver Opio shot an opening round 3-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead as the annual Kabalaza Golf Open Championship teed off at Entebbe Club on Thursday.

Opio notched seven birdies, seven pars and four bogeys get ahead of Phillip Kasozi, who carded 2-under 69, in the sh10m, 36-hole championship that will climax on Saturday with a subsidiary event for the amateurs.

Rodell Gaita, who returned 1-under 70, is third while Herman Mutebi, Abbey Bagalana, Samuel Kato, Ronald Otile and Emma Ogwang all returned level-par 71 and are tied in fourth ahead of Irene Nakalembe and Grace Kasango, who all can be assured of cashing in from the kitty that will only be shared out by the top ten golfers. With defending champion Ronald Rugumayo unable to defend his title, there will be a new champion from the field of 30 pros in contention for the money.

In the World Amateur Golf Ranking 54-hole event being played concurrently, it is Godfrey Kambale who is one stroke ahead of Michael Tumusiime and Joel Okoth, who both shot 70 in the opening round.

Paul Habyarima also put in a strong performance, ensuring he remains among the top ten eligible for a share of the sh7m prize money for the top ten amateurs. In the ladies’ section, the sh3m kitty for the top four is for Martha Babirye (78), who is three strokes ahead of Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo, who both carded 81. Judith Komugisa is fourth, having carded 82.

Round 1-Top ten pros

Silver Opio 68

Phillip Kasozi 69

Rodell Gaita 70

Herman Mutebi 71

Abbey Bagalana 71

Samuel Kato 71

Ronald Otile 71

Emma Ogwang 71

Irene Nakalembe 72

Grace Kasango 73