Golf: Muhumuza maintains Uganda Open lead after day three

By Michael Nsubuga

Adolf Muhumuza maintained his lead by three strokes going into the final day of the Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open at Kitante on Friday.

The 21 year old Toro golf club and national team member shot one-under-par 70 to stay on top of the main event after round two that was interrupted by rain.

He is closely followed by Willy Kitatta who is three shots off the leader but has been improving since the opening day. Kitatta returned 71 in round three.

Third placed Phillip Kasozi (2012 champion) is trailing by nine strokes while defending champions Peter Ssendawula is a distant fourth, 13 strokes off the leader.

“Despite the rain I had no problem because I have even registered my best score of the tournament today with four birdies,” the Kyaninga Lodge sponsored Muhumuza said.

“I’m even hoping to improve tomorrow,” Muhumuza who is competing in his 6th Uganda open and has never been in such a situation before said.

But he will be wary of Kitatta who is also chasing his first Uganda open crown and is also confident of winning going into the final day.

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Kitatta is chasing his first Uganda open crown. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

“I prefer chasing, I’m always good at chasing I feel comfortable in this position going into the last day. I’m just going to stick to my game and I’m looking forward to winning. Tomorrow is the final so every stroke will be a championship shot,” Kitatta said after the third day’s action.

The heavy rain forced organizers to halt play for two hours and they had to suspend day two action for the subsidiary category.

Day one leader Martin Ochaya added another accolade from this year’s event when he won the longest drive contest held in the evening after day three’s action.

The professionals category also promises to have a photo finish after Deo Akope also maintained his one stroke lead on second placed Denis Anguyo. Kenya’s David Odhiambo and Dismas Indiza are third and fourth respectively.

Meanwhile on Saturday after the crowning of the champion at the 18th-hole golfers will head to the Sheraton Hotel where they will be treated to what has been dubbed a “20th-hole experience”.

As golfers went about their round on Friday Sheraton Chef Dhanuska Kumara had already started preparing by putting an egg on one of the holes on the Sheraton min course in the gardens.
 
Adolf Muhumuza   73 73 70 216
Willy Kitatta    75 73 71 219
Phillip Kasozi   74 75 76 225
Peter Ssendaula  77 75 78 229
Francis Ngabo    78 76 76 230
Yusuf Ssentongo  79 79 76 231
Abbey Bagalana   76 77 78 231
Ronald Rugumayo  79 78 75 232
Edwin Okong      81 75 76 232
 
Robert Oluba     75 77 80 232