Tanzania's Olomi snatches Uganda Ladies Golf Open title

Tanzania's Neema Olomi lifts the winners trophy after receiving it from Castle Lite Brand Manager Julian Ssentamu (2nd left) as UGU and ULGU presidents Innocent Kihika and Eva Magala (right) look on after the Castle Lite Uganda Ladies Open at Entebbe Club cours. PHOTOS: Michael Nsubuga

Tanzania’s Neema Olomi ‘s tournament Albatross on day-two was the highlight and made the difference as she marched to her maiden Castle Lite Uganda Ladies Open title at Entebbe Club on Saturday.

The Alusha Gymkhana Golf Club handicap-5 player consequently beat Uganda’s Martha Babirye who led the tournament in two rounds by two strokes, on her second visit to Entebbe.

Trailing in tenth place after the first round, Olomi produced the best score (74) in the second round following her heroics on the par-5 hole No.15 where she grabbed an Albatross (three under par). She then returned a three-over-par 75 in the final round to wrap up the championship ah her closest challenger Babirye faultered.

“I didn’t start well, but I kept on pushing. My tee shots and putts were very good today following advice from my cuddie. After the first day, I didn’t think I could win because there were so many good players ahead who were doing very well,” Olomi stated.

 Tanzania's Neema Olomi (center) is joined by her Tanzanian colleagues after she picked her overall winners' trophy after she won the Castle Lite Uganda Ladies Open 

John Walusimbi who caddied for Olomi said she was putting firmly in the beginning, but cautioned her because the greens were running faster and had a challenge with her driver which we later abandoned on all the par 4 and par-5’s.

Babirye’s good run in the tournament was ruined by her second round triple bogey on hole-No.18 where a par would have her leading by four strokes going into the final round.

“My opponent is more experienced so she capitalised on every mistake I made. I don’t play often in Entebbe, but overall I played very well and managed to handle the pressure very well,” Babirye said.

“I was greedy on the 18th hole and wanted to lead with a big margin but ended up faulting but I have gained valuable experience and I hope to win this tournament very soon,” Babirye vowed.

Entebbe golfer Irene Nakalembe finished third overall ahead of defending champion Angel Eaton and Gloria Mbaguta who finished fourth and fifth respectively.

 Tanzania's Neema Olomi (center) receives the winners trophy

The champion received her winner’s trophy from Castle Lite brand manager Julian Ssentamu before she was joined in wild celebration and dancing from her Tanzania counterparts at the ‘19th hole’.

The tournament attracted golfers from six countries; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sweden, India and Ethiopia.

Final standings- Top five

Silver Category

Neema Olomi (TZ)            80; 74; 75; 229

Martha Babirye (UG)        76; 76; 79; 231

Irene Nakalembe (UG)      77; 76; 80; 223

Angel Eaton (TZ)              79; 77; 78; 234

Gloria Mbaguta (UG)        77; 85; 74; 236

Bronze category

Julia Nampewo (UG) 213c/b

Bridget Basiima (UG) 213c/b

Mwongeli Nzioka (KE) 213

Hawa Wanyeche (TZ) 221

Vicky Elias (TZ) 223

Bronze Gross category

Doreen Kirabo 143c/b

Pamela Tumusiime 143c/b

Lillian Kowe 143

Maureen Nasimolo 145

Amimo Anabwani 146

18 holes gross winners

Day-1: Petra Nalwoga 79

Day-2: Eva Magala 79

Day-3: Harriet Kitaka 81

Seniors

Jenina Nasimolo (UG) 251

Guest winner

Ayne Magombe (TZ) 248

Longest drive

Bhaskar Shebani (IND)

Nearest to the pin shooting challenge

Regina Namata (UG)

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Subsidiary- Men

Group A

Paul Baite 71nett

Edgar Nuzahura 72c/b

Group B

Andrew Baguma 67

Edgar Muzahura 72c/b

Group C

Paul Ndyaguma 70

Dennis Oola 72

Longest drive

Moses Matsiko



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