Akope shines in Arusha tour
May 12, 2010
UGANDA Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) captain Deo Akope got off to a promising start in the KCB East Africa Tour in Arusha yesterday but reckons he could have done better.
By Douglas Mazune
UGANDA Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) captain Deo Akope got off to a promising start in the KCB East Africa Tour in Arusha yesterday but reckons he could have done better.
The MTN sponsored Akope shot 69 to share third spot with Kenyans Dismas Ndiza and Jimmy Kiondo — three strokes off the pace.
Kenyans Ali Kimani fresh from an impressive show in the Kenya Open last month and his compatriot Simon Ngigi, top the leader board. Kimani and Ngigi carry a seemingly comfortable lead into the second of the four-round tournament that will see sh26m won in cash prizes.
Akope is still optimistic about scooping the top cash prize of sh4.5m and hopes to step up his act in the subsequent rounds.
“I should have done better but I struggled a bit on the front nine. The yardages are confusing. I over-shot many greens on the front nine. I am happy where I am for the start and I will definitely work towards winning it,†Akope stated.
Akope who won the Tanzania Open in 2005 was unfazed by the strong field of 42 competitors from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“The last time I was here I won the Tanzania Open and I need to maintain my focus and it may happen again. All the big names in the region are here, I have to give it my best,†Akope said.
Kenyans Kopan Timbe and Anil Shah tied in sixth spot, four shots behind the leaders in a round that saw Kenyan occupy nine of the 10 top positions.
Other Ugandans George Olayo (74), Herman Mutaawe (77) and Denis Anguyo (80) were outside the top 10 but with a good chance of making the cut after the second round today.
The KCB sponsored Tour moves to Kigali next month.
UGANDA Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) captain Deo Akope got off to a promising start in the KCB East Africa Tour in Arusha yesterday but reckons he could have done better.
The MTN sponsored Akope shot 69 to share third spot with Kenyans Dismas Ndiza and Jimmy Kiondo — three strokes off the pace.
Kenyans Ali Kimani fresh from an impressive show in the Kenya Open last month and his compatriot Simon Ngigi, top the leader board. Kimani and Ngigi carry a seemingly comfortable lead into the second of the four-round tournament that will see sh26m won in cash prizes.
Akope is still optimistic about scooping the top cash prize of sh4.5m and hopes to step up his act in the subsequent rounds.
“I should have done better but I struggled a bit on the front nine. The yardages are confusing. I over-shot many greens on the front nine. I am happy where I am for the start and I will definitely work towards winning it,†Akope stated.
Akope who won the Tanzania Open in 2005 was unfazed by the strong field of 42 competitors from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“The last time I was here I won the Tanzania Open and I need to maintain my focus and it may happen again. All the big names in the region are here, I have to give it my best,†Akope said.
Kenyans Kopan Timbe and Anil Shah tied in sixth spot, four shots behind the leaders in a round that saw Kenyan occupy nine of the 10 top positions.
Other Ugandans George Olayo (74), Herman Mutaawe (77) and Denis Anguyo (80) were outside the top 10 but with a good chance of making the cut after the second round today.
The KCB sponsored Tour moves to Kigali next month.