Uganda trails Kenya as Africa Region IV Golf Championship starts
Anthony Otukei opening 2-under 70 anchored Uganda to an opening gross total of 219 that leaves Uganda in contention.
Anthony Otukei was Uganda's best as the Africa Region IV Golf Championship started in Madagascar. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
The Uganda national golf team shot an opening round 219 from their best three scores to trail leaders and defending champions Kenya by four strokes as the Africa Region IV Golf Championship got underway at the Golf Du Rova Hotel course in Madagascar on Thursday.
Anthony Otukei opening 2-under 70 anchored Uganda to an opening gross total of 219 that leaves Uganda in contention. It was the joint-best round of the day—the other 70 coming from Kenyan veteran golfer John Lejirma, a former winner of the Uganda Open.
Completing Uganda’s scoring on day one were Joseph Kasozi and Joseph Reagan Akena, who carded rounds of 74 and 75. Godfrey Kambale’s 79 did not count to the day’s score. The best three scores per round in the 54-hole competition count to the country’s total.
Team Uganda captain Akena suffered a two-stroke penalty on the 16th hole that left him disheartened. It was a mistake by his caddie, and he finished the final two holes self-caddying. Holders Kenya assumed leadership with 215.
Their team is led by Lejirma, East Africa’s number one Michael Karanga, Elvis Muigua, and Junaid Ayaz Manji. Muigua finished with 72, while Manji and Karanga both returned 73. Kenya’s team is relatively more experienced, but Uganda’s captain, Akena, is confident that Friday will be a better day for him and his compatriots. Madagascar is in second position, three strokes better than Uganda.
Their three golfers, Fils Rakotondraafara, Julien Rasolofoarimanana, and Solofo Radimisaona, shot scores of 71, 72, and 73 to make it very interesting and enthralling viewing at the top of the tournament leaderboard.
Uganda’s team at the Africa Region IV tournament is a hint of the Uganda Golf Union’s strategy to offer more opportunities and exposure to the country’s best young talent. The Golf du Rova course is a true landmark in Madagascar.
Established in 1959, it is the only authentic 18-hole course on the island and undoubtedly the most stunning. The course, a peaceful haven for golfers and their companions, offers a one-of-a-kind experience just 30 minutes from the capital.
The team in Madagascar is under the tutelage of national team manager Paul Habyarimana. Also present in Antananarivo is Johnson Omollo, who is the president of the Africa Golf Confederation.
Leaderboard Round 1
Kenya 70 72 73 215
Madagascar 71 72 73 216
Uganda 70 74 74 219
Ethiopia 80 82 86 248