Adolf Muhumuza tired of second place finishes

Aug 09, 2016

He finished second in 2014, the last time he came close to winning the prestigious Uganda Open

Second place seems to be following Uganda amateur golfer Adolf Muhumuza as the Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Open beckons.

The 23-year-old national team captain and Toro Club golfer has twice this year finished second in local events.

He was beaten in a sudden death play-off by Titus Okwong at the Mehta Open and also finished second to Ronald Rugumayo at the Mayombo Memorial Tournament at Toro Club last week.

Last December, Muhumuza (149 gross) was beaten to the Kakira Open title by Jinja's Grace Kasango (148); by a stroke.

That he finished second to Willy Kitata the last time he was close to winning the prestigious Uganda Open in 2014, casts doubt on whether he will finally make it.

But he is determined to win this year's open, as "no one remembers who came second".

"Man, I'm beginning to lose count on how many times I have finished second, but I will not dwell on the past; I'm set this time," Muhumuza said after completing an 18 hole practice round on Monday.

Muhumuza is among many of Uganda's golfers who are eagerly waiting to try their luck on winning the event that tees off on Wednesday.

They include among others; Ashiraf Bagalana, Herman Mutebi, Hassan Kiyemba, Martin Ochaya, Joseph Chwinyai and defending champion Ronald Otile.

Elsewhere Kampala Cement Sales Manager Salem Naveed joined the growing number of sponsors for the open with a sh10m cash offer on Friday.

ily itata is the reigning ganda pen champion and he is set to defend his titles hotos by ichael subuga Wily Kitata is the reigning Uganda Open champion and he is set to defend his titles. Photos by Michael Nsubuga

 

This was on top of sh20m from Marc East Africa, distributors of Isuzu and Chevrolet vehicles in the country, presented by Karim Sehata; the sales and marketing manager.

Uganda Golf Union president Johnson Omolo received the cash in Kampala, terming the both sponsorship gestures as ones that will go a long way in developing the sport."

"We promise golfers a fantastic experience in this year's open. We are ready to host the event that has been well subscribed with 96 players for the main amateur open with 126 for the subsidiary event," Omolo stated.

Apart from the trophy, the overall winner of the amateur event will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways, just like the winner of the Professionals Open that will be played on August 31-September 3.

The trip comes complete with three-night's complimentary accommodation at one of the leading hotels in the UAE's capital and an unforgettable experience of playing at one of city's championship-standard golf courses. 

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