Kitata to compete in the US Golf Open

Uganda US-based professional golfer Willy Kitata is set to make his debut in the 116th U.S. Open due June 16-19 at the par 70 Oakmont Country Club in Plum, Pennsylvania.

After making it through the qualifiers under the Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) at the Wanderers Club, Wellington, the former Uganda Open Champion becomes the first Ugandan to play at the second of the four major championships in golf.

Kitata who is currently based in West Palm Beach Florida with the PGA National Golf Club and trains with the Every Ball Counts (EBC) cannot wait to play with the world's best, and is determined to make the cut for a share of the $20m (sh68bn) prize money.

"There a lot of big names at this championship and everyone is big but am also bigger and I'm aiming for the win," Kitata who will be playing in his 8th professional event in the US stated in a chat with the New Vision.

"I have not won yet since turning pro; my best  has been a 4th place finish at the Park Ridge Open, but my game is really good and I have been training so smarter than ever," Kitata who has so far made cuts in two out of seven tournaments said.

Kitata will be up against 125 players including 12 former winners that include last year's winner Jordan Spieth (US), 2014 winner Martin Kaymer (Germany) and 2013 winner Justin Rose (England).

Others are Webb Simpson, Rory Mcllroy, Graeme McDowell, Lucas Glover and Tiger Woods who have won in the last ten years.

About half the field will consist of players who are exempt from qualifying for the U.S. Open. Each player is classified according to the first category in which he qualified.