Namakula completes hat trick, wins ladies open

By Michael Nsubuga             

Flavia Namakula completed a hat-trick of Uganda Ladies Open wins on Saturday after returning 217 gross after 54 holes at the 64th edition of the event at Kitante.

The 28-year old handicap 1 golfer was on top of her game winning with a record 12 strokes against last year’s winner Angel Eaton of Tanzania. She also produced the longest drive on hole-No. 18.

The UPDF attributed her win to hard work and will now turn focus on turning pro.

“Despite the twelve stroke margin I can’t say it was easy, it all came down to hard work. I have really worked hard for this for the past one month and I’m happy that it has paid off,” a beaming Namakula said after completing her round.

Going into the final day’s action Namakula carried an eight-stroke lead which she maintained up to the par 5 hole No.5 which she double bogeyed to create pressure for herself.

“I was playing against a very good player; when I got a seven on hole No.5 I developed butterflies in the stomach and the pressure rose but I have to thank my caddie who calmed me thereafter and reminded me that we still had a lot to play for, I really worked hard and winning by 12 strokes is good golf; it’s incredible,” Namakula stated.

“I’m planning to turn pro because I’m tired of playing as an amateur, I have also played a lot for the national team so it is time to move on.”

Defending champion Eaton who despite playing with an injury put up a spirited fight and finished second congratulated the winner promising to reclaim the championship next time.

“You can’t be the winner all the time, so someone else had to win and I’m happy for her; It was hard for me because of the injury, I was trying to take it easy, but I thank God for what I achieved and I’m comfortable where I finished,” Eaton said.

Tanzania’s Iddi Madina (233 gross) finished third with Irene Nakalembe (243) and Eva Magala (246) finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Minister of State for Works John Byabagambi presided over the prize ceremony of the event that attracted golfers from Burundi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The three-day event was sponsored by Sheraton, Crown Beverages, Castle Lite, UAP, Pinnacle Security, Motor care, Lato Milk, MTN, Avane Beauty Clinic and Kenya Ports Authority.

Silver Category: Top Five

Flavia Namakula   72+71+74; 217gross
Angel Eaton           82+69+78; 229
Iddi Madina           76+81+76; 233
Irene Nakalembe    82+82+79; 243
Eva Magala            82+78+86; 246

Nett winner: Gloria Mbaguta 226nett
1st runner up: Harriet Kitaka 227nett
2nd runner up: Rose Azuba 228nett
1st 18: Loice Chingono 80nett
2nd 18: Monica Ntege 84nett
3rd 18: Jenina Nasimolo 84nett

Bronze category

Gross winner: Jovia Otim 197
Nett winner: Wei Jei 146
Snr. Lady: Esther Okullo 157
Junior winners: Rogers Eyoyo & Hafuswa Namusoke
PRO’s winner: Fred Wanzala 73 gross