Otile to play in Barclays Kenya Open

Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Open double champion Ronald Otile gets another chance to showcase his prowess when he competes at the prestigious Barclays Kenya Golf Open due at Karen Golf Club, March 17-20.

Otile is among the six top amateurs that have been allocated slots to play at the annual event that attracts top professional golfers from around the world including winners of regular European Challenge Tour Ranking Tournaments, Challenge Tour Invitations and the leading 25 players and ties from the European Tour Qualifying School.

He becomes the first Ugandan amateur to be invited to the Kenya Open event without going through qualifiers.

According to a letter sent by Kenya Golf Union chairman Anthony Muhoro to the Uganda Golf Union, Otile has been invited not only because he is a scratch player but because the KGU is looking at enhancing East Africa's integration through the game of golf.

"We are looking at reciprocating this slot with you and in return you may invite one of our top amateur in one of your prestigious event later in the year," Muhoro stated.

Otile, 20, is excited about the chance he has been offered and can't wait to compete alongside established professionals.

"I'm excited and I cannot wait to play in the event. There will be a lot to learn; I hope to perform well, I can't promise to win but I will put up a fight. I've been training hard recently and will soon return to Kampala to continue with my training," Otile speaking from Fort Portal said.

After winning the amateur event of the Uganda Open last year, Otile with ten other amateurs were given chance to play alongside professionals and he went on to win the event as well.

The deal to have Otile play in the Kenya Open was brokered by former UGU secretary Innocent Kihiika together with the Kenya Golf Union.

South Africa's 20 year old, Haydn Porteous won the Kenya Open last year which is also part of the European tour.