Entebbe Juniors Open ends with Birabwa and Thembo on top

Entebbe Club youngsters Elton Thembo and Frista Birabwa returned 64 and 70 nett respectively to win the Entebbe Juniors Open played at Entebbe Club on Friday.

The two golfers beat 127 players to the top prizes in the annual tournament that precedes holiday golf clinics held at various clubs across the country

Tembo, 15, and Birabwa, 13, attributed their triumph to regular practice.

"My coaches encouraged me to train a lot and it has paid off. The first nine holes weren't easy as I felt thirsty, but when I refreshed it got better.  My opponents were also good but I fought hard to win," Thembo an Entebbe SS S.3 student who plays off handicap 14 said.

It was the second consecutive time that Birabwa was making the podium having been there even at last year's competition.

"My dad advised me to start golf and I have good coaches including professional golfers Silver Opio. I'm happy to have won this trophy though I didn't expect it," Birabwa who goes to Entebbe Parents SS stated.

I have been doing much practice a lot but when I didn't play well in Kampala on Thursday; I refocused and played well on my home course. It was not easy but my shots were good and I putted well."

 Elton Thembo tees off during the Entebbe Juniors Open at Entebbe Club, January 25, 2019. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

Uganda Ladies Golf Union president Eva Magala advised the girls aged between 10-18 to practice a lot for a chance to join the junior national team that she intends to field at the World Junior Championships in Japan.

She promised to pay junior membership for five handicapped girls golfers at the Entebbe Club.

Overall winners

Boys: Elton Thembo 64nett

Girls: Frista Birabwa 70

18-holes

Boys: AsumanTumwesigye 65nett

R/up: GiilbertNuwamanya  68

Girls: Winnie Mutonyi 75

R/up: Florence Acio 81

9-holes

Boys: AsumanKaweesa 45 gross

R/up: Emmanuel Okullo 47

Girls: Darcy Nantale 64

R/up: Carthy N. 70

6-holes

Boys: Peter Mayinde 43c/b

R/up: Timothy Okot 43

Girls: Tracy Awori 57

R/up: HamidaNamilimu 60

3-holes

Boys: Haile Kitgum 20

R/up: Sean Kiwumulo 22

Girls: ClarishaNamatovu 22

R/up: Stephanie Kamikazi 23

Skills test

JethroOkot 10pts

Leon Acoka 10pts

Tamara Ainembabazi 8pts

Aretha Tumusiime 8pts

Youngest golfer

Brian Agasha

Most consistent

Devisit Panda