Zimbabwe, Kenya set for Uganda Professional's Open

SPORT

KAMPALA - Uganda professional golfers will face one of the biggest fields of foreign competitors at this year's Castle Lite Uganda Professional's Open, September 26-29.

Going by the number of entries registered so far, the Ugandans will have to work extra hard to partake on the sh182m prize money.

The winner of the Uganda Professionals Open will pocket sh41m with only the top 30 (plus ties) who make the cut after 36 holes, and finishing all the 72 holes getting a share of the rest of the prize money.

The professionals also have chance to make some extra cash in the Pro-Am that precedes their main event a day before, on September 25.

The event has so far registered most interest from Zimbabwe and Kenya who have to-date subscribed to the event with 15 golfers each. More entries from South Africa and Zambia are also expected.

Charamba Tongoona and Farayi Chitengwa who have competed in the Uganda Open before have already booked their slots alongside Yousuf Akil Musa, Visitor Mapwanya, Tranos Muradzikwa, Gumisa Liberty, Brian Gondo, Robson Chinhoi and Peter Banda.

The others are Ryan Caims, Roy Da Costa, Nyasa Muyambo, Robson Chinhoi and Yadyo Laifoti.

The Kenyans are also expected to field a full house and already 15 including Richard Ainley, Engell Andersen, Simon Ngige, Alfred Nandwa, Erick Ooko, Nelson Simwa, Kopan Timbe and Joseph Karanja among others have booked their slots.

Uganda pros Deo Akope, Phillip Kasozi, Vincent Byamukama, Brian Tooolit, Dennis Anguyo, Fred Wanzala, Willy Kitata, Herman Mutaawe and last year's amateur winner-turned-pro Ronald Rugumayo are also expected to put up a strong challenge for the cash.

The pro's event is sponsored by Castle Lite, Serena Hotel, Barclays Bank, cba bank, Time Cop, Ernst & Young, Britam, Jumia, Gems Cambridge International School, Nation Media amd MINET.