Kenya wins maiden EA golf tournament at Entebbe
Nov 09, 2014
Kenya’s captain Nelson Simwa returned 286 gross over four rounds to lead his side to the inaugural East African Community Golf Shield at Entebbe Club on Saturday.
By Michael Nsubuga
ENTEBBE - Kenya’s captain Nelson Simwa returned 286 gross over four rounds to lead his side to the inaugural East African Community Golf Shield at Entebbe Club on Saturday.
The three-day score also helped him win the Entebbe Open, beating Uganda’s Willy Kitata (287 gross) by a stroke.
Despite producing the best score on the last day (66 gross), Kitata was let down by his opening two rounds from which he grossed 149 with the Kenyan getting 145.
Alfred Nandwa, another Kenyan, was third with 291 gross while Jinja-based Opio Onito had earlier won the professionals category after returning 149 gross over 18 holes.
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Nelson Simwa receives the Entebbe Open titles from Nile Breweries marketing director Daniel Ogong. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
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Willy Kitata receives the Entebbe Open runners-up trophy. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
Willy Kitata receives the Entebbe Open runners-up trophy. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
Kenya comfortably cruised to the shield title by beating Uganda who were runners-up by 31 strokes.
They showed their intentions early on, taking a six-stroke lead after 18 holes on Day One. They opened up a 32-stroke lead after Day Two and maintained the margin on the last day to emerge victorious to avenge their East African Challenge loss to Uganda in August.
Uganda captain Adolf Muhumuza blamed the loss on poor preparations.
“We only practiced for two days on the course and we found the turf watered and soft but after that they were hard and we couldn’t adjust quickly but with good preparations we can beat these guys on any day,” he said.
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Musician Jackie Chandiru entertained golfers and guests. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
Musician Jackie Chandiru entertained golfers and guests. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
Deco Mutebi, Robert Oluba, Henry Lujja and Ronnie Bukenya who were among the leaders in the opening rounds of the tournament couldn’t cope up with the pressure and work-rate of the four rounds to fall by the wayside.
The subsidiary category was won by Shaban Ram with 37 stable ford points, with Godfrey Nsubuga and Daniel Kalungi taking the groups B and C accolades, respectively.
Resty Nalutaaya (39 points), Meron Kyomugisha and Diana Nabukenya were the top performers in the ladies category.
Golfers were later treated to musical and dance performances from various groups including diva Jackie Chandiru at the 19th hole.
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These dancers pulled off acrobatic stunts during the entertainment moment. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
These dancers pulled off acrobatic stunts during the entertainment moment. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
East Africa Community shield results
Kenya 872 gross
Nelson Simwa 73, 72, 72, 69; 286 gross
Alfred Nandwa 69, 74, 73, 75; 291
John Karichu 75, 75, 73, 72; 295
Uganda 903
Ronald Rugumayo 73, 73, 77, 72; 295
Adolf Muhumuza 73, 79, 78, 72; 302
Happy Robert 79, 82, 77, 71; 309
Rwanda 958
Afrodis Nyirikwaya 81, 79, 83, 74; 317
Aloys Nsabimana 80, 83, 82, 79; 324
Celestine Habineza 84, 80, 85, 76; 325
Burundi 1021
Kudra Nahimana 82, 79, 83, 84; 328
Jean Simbagoye 88, 86, 89, 78; 341
Abdu Bizimana 89, 97, 89, 80; 355
Entebbe Open Top 3
Nelson Simwa 286 gross
Willy Kitata 287
Alfred Nandwa 291
Professionals Top 5
Opio Onito 149 gross
Ian Odokonyero 151
Herman Mutaawe 151
Fred Wanzala 152
Silver Opio 153