Birungi claims 3rd win
Jun 12, 2006
FORMER national champion Stephen Birungi, again showed the nerve to perform when it matters by winning the Mukwano golf Open on Sunday.
By William Muwonge
in Fort Portal
S. Birungi 145
G. Olayo 146
G. Kituku 152
G. Kituku 152
S. Lwanga 154
V. Byamukama 159
UGU stroke play championship leader board
(Top 5)
S. Birungi 36.5pts
G. Olayo 30
V. Byamukama 20.5
S. Lwanga 18.5
D. Lagoro 11.5
FORMER national champion Stephen Birungi, again showed the nerve to perform when it matters by winning the Mukwano golf Open on Sunday.
Birungi carded one-over-par 145 gross at the Toro Club course to claim his third win this season.
The scratch player, winner of the Kinyara Open and Mbarara Open, shrugged off a strong hurdle in George Olayo to stay top of the national championship board after the Mukwano Open success.
“I am delighted to win and stay on as the leader, but it is still a long way to go,†Birungi said.
Birungi beat Olayo, his key rival and winner of the season opening Bro Group Western Open by one stroke.
“Olayo put up a good fight, he is still the man I have to battle with,†Birungi added.
Birungi, national champion from 1997 to 1999, was one stroke better than Olayo on day one. Then he built a three-stroke lead after 16 holes in the final round.
The two men drew level after Olayo sunk a hole-in-one on number 17, which Birungi bogeyed.
Then on the par-5 18th hole, Birungi played a birdie as his opponent dropped a shot to claim victory.
“I still need to improve my game in regard to tee shots and chipping,†Birungi explained.
Olayo regretted his approach on the final hole, saying, “my putting let me down, this game should have ended in a play-off.â€
The next event on the UGU calendar is the Jinja Open at the weekend.
in Fort Portal
S. Birungi 145
G. Olayo 146
G. Kituku 152
G. Kituku 152
S. Lwanga 154
V. Byamukama 159
UGU stroke play championship leader board
(Top 5)
S. Birungi 36.5pts
G. Olayo 30
V. Byamukama 20.5
S. Lwanga 18.5
D. Lagoro 11.5
FORMER national champion Stephen Birungi, again showed the nerve to perform when it matters by winning the Mukwano golf Open on Sunday.
Birungi carded one-over-par 145 gross at the Toro Club course to claim his third win this season.
The scratch player, winner of the Kinyara Open and Mbarara Open, shrugged off a strong hurdle in George Olayo to stay top of the national championship board after the Mukwano Open success.
“I am delighted to win and stay on as the leader, but it is still a long way to go,†Birungi said.
Birungi beat Olayo, his key rival and winner of the season opening Bro Group Western Open by one stroke.
“Olayo put up a good fight, he is still the man I have to battle with,†Birungi added.
Birungi, national champion from 1997 to 1999, was one stroke better than Olayo on day one. Then he built a three-stroke lead after 16 holes in the final round.
The two men drew level after Olayo sunk a hole-in-one on number 17, which Birungi bogeyed.
Then on the par-5 18th hole, Birungi played a birdie as his opponent dropped a shot to claim victory.
“I still need to improve my game in regard to tee shots and chipping,†Birungi explained.
Olayo regretted his approach on the final hole, saying, “my putting let me down, this game should have ended in a play-off.â€
The next event on the UGU calendar is the Jinja Open at the weekend.