Byaruhanga leads Uganda Open
Sep 22, 2011
ROGERS Byaruhanga ‘lives on the course’ with professionals, is usually in their company at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) bar and consequently many were not surprised when he turned in a professional-like score on the opening day of the Uganda Open yesterday.
By Douglas Mazune
ROGERS Byaruhanga ‘lives on the course’ with professionals, is usually in their company at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) bar and consequently many were not surprised when he turned in a professional-like score on the opening day of the Uganda Open yesterday.
Inspired by an eagle on hole five on a bright morning, Byaruhanga shot seven under par 65 to lead the four-day tournament at Kitante by five strokes.
The chatty Principal Accountant at the ministry of finance goes into the second round of the Tusker Malt Lager sponsored event today with a sizeable lead that could see him become a new champion at the 71st edition of the competition.
“I had a nice game; the weather was good. My drives were also good. The preferred lie advantage also improved my game,†an uncharacteristically modest Byaruhanga said after the promising start.
Jinja’s Abbey Bagalana in second place will be hoping to close the gap today while 18-year-old Ronald Rugumayo is eight shots off the pace.
Toro Club’s Rugumayo had to do without a caddie for he was financially constrained to hire one at sh15,000 a round.
“I had to carry my bag myself, select clubs and I had no caddie to show me the line. Two heads are better than one. Despite that burden I am optimistic I will do well,†Rugumayo lamented as he cleared his face.
Entebbe’s Henry Lujja was fourth on 74, while Adolf Muhumuza and John Basabose at 75 shared fifth spot in Uganda’s premier golf event cosponsored by Multiple Industries, UAP Insurance and AON Insurance, among others.
In the professionals’ event, defending champion Jean Baptist Akizimana from Rwanda led with 68, a stroke clear of local ace Fred Wanzala.
ROGERS Byaruhanga ‘lives on the course’ with professionals, is usually in their company at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) bar and consequently many were not surprised when he turned in a professional-like score on the opening day of the Uganda Open yesterday.
Inspired by an eagle on hole five on a bright morning, Byaruhanga shot seven under par 65 to lead the four-day tournament at Kitante by five strokes.
The chatty Principal Accountant at the ministry of finance goes into the second round of the Tusker Malt Lager sponsored event today with a sizeable lead that could see him become a new champion at the 71st edition of the competition.
“I had a nice game; the weather was good. My drives were also good. The preferred lie advantage also improved my game,†an uncharacteristically modest Byaruhanga said after the promising start.
Jinja’s Abbey Bagalana in second place will be hoping to close the gap today while 18-year-old Ronald Rugumayo is eight shots off the pace.
Toro Club’s Rugumayo had to do without a caddie for he was financially constrained to hire one at sh15,000 a round.
“I had to carry my bag myself, select clubs and I had no caddie to show me the line. Two heads are better than one. Despite that burden I am optimistic I will do well,†Rugumayo lamented as he cleared his face.
Entebbe’s Henry Lujja was fourth on 74, while Adolf Muhumuza and John Basabose at 75 shared fifth spot in Uganda’s premier golf event cosponsored by Multiple Industries, UAP Insurance and AON Insurance, among others.
In the professionals’ event, defending champion Jean Baptist Akizimana from Rwanda led with 68, a stroke clear of local ace Fred Wanzala.