Uganda finds a different class at the World Cup in Japan

 

 

The Ugandan four-man team of Joel Basalaine, Dennis Asaba, Michael Alunga and Ibrahim Aliga failed to quickly adapt to the playing conditions in Nagoya and despite a few good rounds from Asaba and Basalaine, they could only finish at the bottom of the fifteen-team competition-a thing they dreaded going into the competition.

 

The Ugandans finished 133 strokes away to eventual winners South Africa who bagged their first junior world cup with the inspiration of Samuel Simpson and Martin Voster who as well claimed a one-two in the individual standings on 266 and 270 gross over the four rounds.

 

"It was a very good experience, but this is a completely different platform. The stage is still too big for us and it requires serious preparations," Uganda's Junior Golf Development manager Oscar Semawere who traveled with the team said.

 

"I think we also need to have these boys play more regularly and create competition at home. But more of educating these kids that returning good scores doesn't come easy."

 

Asaba and Basalaine are the only players that came close to returning descent scores, carding a 73 and 72 in the first and third round respectively but these were far in between.

 

"We tried our best but things didn't work out. We didn't have enough rest here (Japan) plus we needed to prepare ourselves even much earlier," Basalaine the team captain noted.

 

 Basalaine was Uganda's best player in Japan. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

 

But the Ugandans had good exposure and experience on the tour and will have much to talk about with their peers.

 

From the escalators to remote controlled carts on the course, to a spacious clubhouse, to the speed-12 greens, there was a lot to relish for team Uganda who will take heart that at least the trophy came to the African continent.

 

 

 

Joel Basalaine 77; 82; 72; 75 306

 

Dennis Asaba 73; 77; 79; 78 307

 

Michael Alunga 83; 85; 86; 80; 334

 

Ibrahim Aliga 83; 82; D; 86; N/A

 

 

1. South Africa 208-199-194-210: 811

 

2. Japan 208-205-197-212: 822

 

3. Spain 204-204-204-211: 823

 

4. Thailand 216-203-205-213: 837

 

5. United States 208-207-210-205: 830

 

6. Canada 212-219-202-205: 838

 

7. Sweden 213-207-206-213: 839

 

8. Argentina 210-212-206-214: 842

 

9. Philippines 216-209-210-213: 848

 

10. Australia 215-212-207-215: 849

 

11. Colombia 217-206-209-223: 855

 

12- Denmark 223-213-210-211: 857

 

13- Switzerland 214-216-211-219: 860

 

14. Mexico 221-214-216-213: 864

 

15. Uganda 233-241-237-233: 944