Wanzala wins Independence golf tournament

Fred Wanzala atoned for his failure to win the Serena Johnnie Walker Open golf tournament on his home course two days ago, emerging top at the Pepsi Independence tournament at the Palm Valley Golf and Country Club on Monday.

Wanzala a former pro at Palm Valley returned a gross score of 207 over 54 holes to avenge for his loss against Phillip Kasozi who beat him in Kigo on Friday.

Wanzala who beat his nearest rival Kasozi by 16 strokes, consequently claimed the biggest share of sh30m prize money and also defended his title having won the same event last year. Last year Wanzala edged Kasozi by a stroke but was in imperious form this time winning by a big margin.

Entebbe golfer Vincent Byamukama was 17 strokes away, finishing third while Tooro pro Happy Robert finishing fourth ahead of another Palm Valley bred golfer Abraham Ainamani who finished fifth.

Herman Mutaawe who finished third last year found the going tough this time finishing a distant 17^th, 31 strokes away from the winner.

There is no resting for the professionals as on Thursday they will be engaged in another sh30m battle at Entebbe Club in the annual JBG competition wher rivalries between the two top golfers will be renewed.  It was again Wanzala who emerged victorious edging out Phillip Kasozi by a stroke in last year's competition.

On Independence another 150 amateur golfers take to the course to compete for different prizes including accommodation and fitness sessions at the Sheraton Hotel as well as trophies and other goodies courtesy of sponsors; Pepsi, Stanbic, ICEA, Clarkson and Mukwano.