Bagalana wins Kitante Golf Open
Jan 28, 2019
Bagalana carded 139nett to claim his first major win in over a year, attributing the win to his good tee shots over the two days of action.
Ashiraf Bagalana is determined to win more tournaments this year after winning the season opener-the Kitante Open on Saturday.
Bagalana carded 139nett to claim his first major win in over a year, attributing the win to his good tee shots over the two days of action.
"My driving was exceptional, and I want to continue like that in all the other tournaments," Bagalana who birdied six holes to end his over one year drought in club competitions said.
National team player Ibrahim Bagalana, a brother to Ashiraf was the men's Group A winner with 142nett, beating Michael Tumusiime on count-back; with Vincent Katutsi finishing as second runner-up.
Kim Jeong Yun, Robert Busingye and Paul Ndyaguma were the top players in Group B with 141, 142 and 143nett respectively while Garry Gonza (143), Henry Mukiibi (145c/b) and Dickson Agaba (145) where the best performers in Group C.
Another youngster, Gabby Nabitaka also registered her first major victory when she returned 143nett to lead the ladies competition in the Barclays Bank and Pinnacle Security sponsored event.
Nabitaka, a Gayaza High School student, who registered only one par one Hole-No.9 is determined to emulate her mum Harriet Kitaka who is a regular podium finisher in the ladies Group A.
The different winners from the Kitante Open pose with their prizes after the tournament at Kitante, January 26, 2019
"Practice did it for me and I was more focused on the game. I didn't let any bad shots get to me and I came with a positive attitude to play better; I had practiced the whole week prior to the tournament," Nabitaka said.
"My dream is to join the national team and play in some of those big competitions. I want to be like my mum she is really good at it," Nabitaka stated.
Irene Nakalembe took the ladies Group A by two strokes, beating Wendy Angudeyo, who in turn edged Gloria Mbaguta on count-back, having returned 148nett each.
Rising lady golfer Caroline Namutebi was also one stroke ahead of Mi Jung Kim in Group B. Victor Kalenzi, Katy Kabenge, J.B Tumusiime Jnr and Wendy Angudeyo picked the side bets prizes for the nearest to the pin and longest drives.
Kitante Golf Open results
Overall winners
Men: Ashiraf Bagalana 139nett
Ladies: Gabby Nabitaka 143nett
Group A
Ibra Bagalana 142c/b
Michael Tumusiime 142
Vincent Katutsi 145
Group B
Kim Jeong Yun 141
Robert Busingye 142
Paul Ndyaguma 143c/b
Group C
Garry Gonza 143
Henry Mukiibi 145
Dickson Agaba 145
Ladies
Group A
Irene Nakalembe 146nett
Wendy Angudeyo 148c/b
Gloria Mbaguta 148
Group B
Sung Yi Hong 147
Caroline Namutebi 150
Mi Jung Kim 151
Nearest to the pin
Victor Kalenzi
Katy Kabenge
Longest drive
J.B Tumusiime Jnr
Wendy Angudeyo