Uganda Open: Kenya's Ngige starts strongly

Aug 31, 2016

Action in the four-day tournament resumes on Thursday

Kenyan professional golfer Simon Ngige, shot an opening round six-under-par 66 to take the lead in the first round of the Tusker Malt Lager Professionals Open at Kitante on Wednesday.

efending champion ambias adalisto uthiya watches his ball hoto by ichael subuga Defending champion Zambia's Madalisto Muthiya watches his ball. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

 

The Kenyan golfer who is a regular competitor in the annual four-day event is consequently four strokes ahead of Uganda's Saidi Mawa and 2013 winner Vincent Byamukama, who are tied in second place on 70 gross each.

The tightly contested championship with total prize money of sh110m has South Africa's Joshua Seale, Rwanda's Ernest Ndayisenga and Kenya's pair of David Opati and David Odhiambo tied for third with 72 gross each.

Defending champion Zambia's Madalisto Muthiya is also tied with five other golfers that include three Ugandans among the top ten.

"I hit the ball very well and also putted well. When I tested my putting in the morning, it went well and I knew I could bring good scores, but I didn't expect to play 66; but I ended up having a flawless game and I was scoring at will," Ngige said.

Uganda's Saidi Mawa just like Ngige plan to maintain the same approach of playing a regulation game to maintain their top positions where the big money is.

erman utaawe is 7 strokes off the lead after day one hoto by ichael subuga Herman Mutaawe is 7 strokes off the lead after day one. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

 

Amateur player, youngster Edrine Okong returned 74 just like professionals; Deo Akope, Jacob Okello, Fred Wanzala and Godfrey Mande.

Another amateur player Adolf Muhumuza who played limping because of a foot injury, and is eyeing the professional ranks had one of the worst rounds, returning 85.

Apart from the over sh23m the overall winner of the pro's event will take; an all-expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways is also on the card for the winner.

A brand new Chevrolet Trailblazer also awaits a player who will achieve the rare feat of a hole-in-one shot. 

Day 1 (Top 10)

1 Simon Ngige (KEN) 66

T2 Saidi Mawa (UG) 70

T2 Vincent Byamukama (UG) 70

T4 David Odhiambo (KEN) 72

T4 Joshua Seale (SA) 72

T4 David Opati (KEN) 72

T4 Ernest Ndayisenga (RWA) 72

T8 Kopan Timbe (KEN) 73

T8 Herman Mutaawe (UG) 73

T8 Madalisto Muthiya (ZAM) 73

T8 Gideon Kagyenzi (UG) 73

T8 Dismas Indiza (KEN) 73

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