Entebbe Club members fight for British Open trip

Entebbe Club was buzzing on Saturday as 150 golfers competed in the inaugural edition of the Singleton Match Play Golf Championship.

With the overall winning pair assured of a fully paid trip to the 146th British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Scotland, in July, most of the matches went to the wire, as many golfers put up their best despite encountering the four-ball-better-ball format of play for the first time.

In the opening games of the day, the pair of Sam Kacungira and Frank Ahimbisibwe beat team; Kenneth Kiddu and Hannington Mpiima, 1UP. It was the same for Isaac Mariera and John Muchuri who saw off Patrick Kagurusi and Allan Kateba with a similar score, just like Twinemanzi Tumubweinee and Robbins Muhairwe did to Etienne Marin and David Scanlon.

 Sheebah Karungi entertains golfers after the Singleton match-play championship at Entebbe Club

Ray Kahigi paired with Ibra Bagalana beat Innocent Kihiika and Patrick Oyee, 4&2 while the partnership of Dennis Onyango and Andrew Ankunda eliminated that of Oscar Semawere and Marvin Kagoro, 2up.

It was a quick job for Josaph Salani and Graham Byagaba against Enid Ssebowa and Irene Nalwoga just like it was for Moureen Okura and Irene Nakalembe against Edward Okech and Peter Wakholi, winning with 6&5 each respectively.

Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly Mukasa, Mark Kaddumukasa and Peter Mukiibi, also had easy rides to the second round to be played on February 11, with victories over Sam Byaruhanga and Sam Sejjaka and Anthony Kituuka and Robert Waweru, with 4&2 and 5&4 wins respectively.

The five-month long challenge will be held in a series of tournaments every month. The winning pair from each month will advance to the next rounds until the finals.

Off the match play draw, Allan Muhereza produced the best score of 69nett to top the men’s Group-A. Playing off handicap 6; he consequently won himself a trip to the Kabalega National Park.

Greg Patterson (70nett) was outstanding in Group B while Winston Agaba (66nett) topped Group-C.

The ladies category was all about Gloria Mbaguta who on top of winning the nearest and longest drive prizes, was runner-up in Group-A, won by Sheila Kesiime (75nett).

Rhoda Tumusiime and Jackie Kamunyu were the top players in Group B with 76 and 77 nett respectively.
Later Sheebah Karungi lightened up the 19th hole with some of her popular hits like ‘Farmer’ to the delight of the revelers and their guests.
 
Selected results
Paul Ojambo/Tony Katamba beat David Ssekitoleko/John Kasangaki, 5&4.
Allan Muhereza/Moses Matsiko beat Serwano Wakusimbi/Paul Katuramu, 5&4.
Michael Monne/Mike Odur beat Paul Kasozi Kazenga/Zergaeber, 1UP.
Omondi/ Nyaga Ngari beat Henry Kamuntu/Vincent Asiimwe, 2up.
Enock Nuwagaba/Paul Nsereko beat Morgan Otile/ Herbert Opolot, 4&2
Moses Ssebugwawo/Emmanuel Mugabi beat David Tugume/Cavin Mugarura, 3&1
Isaac Mariera/John Muchuri beat Patrick Kagurusi/Allan Kateba, 1up.
Brian Rwaboogo/Ashavin Kananathan beat Edwin Tumusiime/Hebert Mwetemba, 2&1
Maxi Byenkya/Gloria Mbaguta beat Peace Kabasweka/Sheila Kesiime, 1UP.
Peter Apell/Andrew Baguma beat Patrick Mugisha/Jonathan Bakwega, 1up
Jude Ochieng/Alex Nkuyahaga beat James Matsiko/ George Bagambisa, 2&1.
Daniel Opwonya/Denis Oola beat Jaime Byaruhanga/Paul Rukundo, 4&3.
David Baraka/Godfrey Nkambwe beat Ruth Mugisha/Doreen Mwesigye, 1up.
Mark Nsubuga/John Kivumu beat Nyeri Kinyoho/Grace Njeri, 3&2.
Joseph Mubiru/Joseph Galiwango beat Ernest Rukundo/Ansel Tumwesigye, 2&1.
Michael Tumusiime/Ali Juuko beat Tony Kisadha/Edward Golooba, 4&2.