Uganda Golf Open scores indicate improvement in the amateur rank
Over the last five years, every Uganda Open Championship has been claimed with under par scores, with the exception of Akena’s victory last year, which he secured with a three-over 287.
Derrick Musana in action during the Uganda Open at the Lugazi Hills and Country Club course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
By Michael Nsubuga
Journalists @New Vision
Joseph Cwinyaai achieved a remarkable score of 10-under 274 over 72 holes, securing victory at the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship held at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club last week.
This performance suggests a consistent partnership that reflects enhanced results within the amateur ranks. Over the last five years, every Uganda Open Championship has been claimed with under par scores, with the exception of Akena’s victory last year, which he secured with a three-over 287.
Additionally, Andrew Ssekibejja from Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa won the 2022 championship with a score of 7-over 295, surpassing Michael Tumusiime by five strokes.
In 2020, Kenyan amateur John Lejrima also triumphed, finishing with a score of 1-under 287, narrowly defeating Uganda's Joseph Kasozi by three strokes at Kitante. In 2023, Godfrey Nsubuga recorded a notable 13-under victory, which remains significant in the recent history of the event. The runners-up, Ibrahim Bagalana and Cwinyaai, also achieved under par scores of -9 and -4, respectively, finishing second and third overall.
In Lugazi, although the championship turned into a two-horse race between Cwinyaai and Zambian Dominic Musonda, the other Ugandan players showed a lot of promise with impressive scores that even the professionals can be proud of on the hilly and challenging course.
Tooro Club’s Abdu Kakeeto and Lugazi’s Anthony Otukei who tied for third place finished ten strokes away from second-placed Musonda but they played at least two rounds each under par on the course that every golfer loathes. Kakeeto played one-under in the opening round before wrapping up his four rounds with a par while Otukei played one and three under in the second and third rounds which elevated him from ninth place after the first round to third overall in the end.
Just last year Otukei, was last year’s winner Akena’s caddie but, now plays for the national team and did very well on his home course. The biggest surprise of the tournament was probably another Lugazi product Derrick Musana, who sixth ahead of established national team players who failed to conquer the Lugazi course.
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