Golf: Uganda Open winner declines to go pro

By Douglas Mazune

It is many an amateur golfer’s dream to win the Uganda Open and break into the professional ranks but that is far from what inspired new champion Phillip Kasozi.

Just like his predecessor Roger Byaruhanga, Kasozi will not take up membership in the Uganda Professional Golfers Association.

“I just wanted the title. When we were on Hole 16 fellow competitors asked me when I will start playing as a professional but that’s not what I wanted. I will always play just to enjoy the game. To my competitors--I am sorry about that but the professional association should consider putting up two slots next time,” Kasozi remarked amidst applauds.

Kasozi, who teed off the final round trailing Willy Kitatta, fired a birdie on the opening hole and by the fourth he was already a shot up. He had four birdies on the front nine to seize a three-stroke lead and hang on to win the prestigious tournament by the same margin.

Kitatta, who broke his ‘rescue club’ on hole No.2, blamed it for a dismal showing in the decisive round.

“I had such a bad day. My putting was off completely. I just couldn’t putt, I even resorted to using a sand-wedge 56 on the green when the going got tough. My ‘rescue club’ also dealt me another big blow because I rely on it a lot. I will be back with a bang next year,” Kitatta told journalists.

Gideon Kagyenzi, Adolf Muhumuza and Peter Ssendawula were third, fourth and fifth respectively in the four-day tournament.

In the professional event Kenyan Dismas Indiza beat Deo Akope by eight strokes to retain his title.

Robert Segirinya with 131nett topped the subsidiary category that was played over two days.