Uganda's Alunga beats Kenyan pros

Uganda’s national team player Michael Alunga is a man on a mission.

As he continues to vie for the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship with the top Kenyan amateurs in Kenya, Alunga shocked Kenyan professionals when he beat them to the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman’s prize tournament top cash prize at Sigona Golf Club.

Alunga carded an overall five-under 139 over 36 holes to beat the 26 professionals and top amateur John Lejrima to the top prize of Ksh50,000 (sh1.5m).

Amateurs rarely get paid after winning professional events but Alunga was in this case given the money which came as a big boost to his continued stay in Kenya as he competes in more Kenyan events.

Alunga notched an overall 13 birdies over the two rounds, to edge Ganeev Giddie who took home sh1.1m, by a stroke.

“I feel so good getting a win in Kenya but it was so special beating some of the best professional players who were invited to participate in the event,” Alunga said.

“I spoiled someone’s party by ‘pouring water on the fire’ but the money will help me cater for some of the incoming events,” Alunga stated.

Recently, Alunga 28 was part of a team of five Ugandans that competed in the Kenya Amateur Match-Play Championships played at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club Course, June 16-19. He was ejected at the round of 16 by compatriot Joseph Cwinya-ai.

But he is still in good standing for the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship where he is currently third in the standings behind Dennis Maara and Jay Sandhu, having overtaken John Lerjirma who won the 2020 Uganda Open by a position.

Alunga has so far amassed 272.5 points from 11 events while Maara who leads, has played two less but leads with 346.3, having finished in better positions in at least five events so far. Second-placed Sandhu is on 342.6 points.

Top ten at Sigona

Michael Alunga 68 71 139

Ganeev Giddie 73 67 140

Edwin Mudanyi 72 72 144

Eric Ooko 73 74 147

Jacob Okello 71 77 148

C.J Wangai 72 78 150

Simon Ngige 76 74 150

David Wakhu 76 74 150

J.M Karanja 75 75 150

John Lejrima 72 79 151