Otile, Muhumuza battle for Uganda Open title
Aug 13, 2016
The fight for the championship is between defending champion Ronald Otile and his club and national team mate Adolf Muhumuza
An exciting final round is anticipated as the 82nd edition of the Tusker Malt Lager Golf Open comes to a close today.
The fight for the championship is between defending champion Ronald Otile who returned 74 gross in round three to maintain the lead with a total 217 gross, and his club and national team mate Adolf Muhumuza, who played 71 to cut Otile's five stroke-day-two lead to two strokes.
Britam Insurance sponsored Muhumuza, who played one of the best rounds in his career in the open, hit three birdies on holes; 3, 8, 11 and produced the play of the day hitting an eagle on the par-4 hole No.14 to the amazement of the gallery. This was his second eagle of the tournament having carded one on day one.
It might not matter much for Muhumuza who believes whoever wins between the two will be bringing honour to their mother club, Toro. But the national team captain who is gunning for his first open is determined to finish top.
"I played well today but I think my 2014, one-under-par 70 I scored in the rain remains my best. My Plan was to cut Otile's lead by three strokes today and then do the same tomorrow and probably win by a stroke," Muhumuza who is also eyeing turning pro said.
But despite his dismal round three, Otile is not worried about Muhumuza's resurgence and will take it easy before winning the championship.
"Both of us really had a good round but for me I played the way I wanted to play and I think the best player with better luck will win. My target is to return 68 in the final round," Otile who lost his lead because of poor tee shots on holes 2 and 10 and a bogey on the 18 said.
Rwanda's Alloys Nsabimana reacts during round three. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Adolf Muhumuza salutes fans after hitting an eagle on hole no 14. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Kenya's Paul Muchanga and Edwin Mudanye are 7 and 8 strokes off in third and fourth places while Rwanda's Alloys Nsabimana is 5th.
The best gross score on the day came from another Kenyan Geoffrey Kubwa who improved his day two scores by eight strokes after returning 70 gross.
Top ten after round 3
Ronald Otile (UG) 74+69+74 217
Adolf Muhumuza (UG) 71+77+71 219
Paul Muchanga (KEN) 74+75+75 224
Edwin Mudanye (KEN) 77+76+72 225
Alloys Nsabimana (RWA) 74+78+75 227
John Basabose (UG) 75+78+75 228
Joel Basalaine (UG) 74+83+71 228
Edrine Okong (UG) 79+77+73 229
Dennis Saikwa (KEN) 76+74+80 230
Geoffrey Kubwa (KEN) 82+78+70 230