Otile in the lead as Uganda Open comes to a climax

Otile chips to the 14th green during round three action at the Entebbe course, September 21, 2018. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

Uganda's Ronald Otile shot a third round level-par 71 to take over leadership of the Castle Lite Uganda Open that is coming to a climax at Entebbe Club on Saturday.

The two-time champion who had trailed Kenya's Edwin Mudanye and John Karichu in the first and second rounds is now three strokes ahead going into the decisive round at the par-71 course.

"I expected something like three-under-69, but I will take this because we all struggled in this round," Otile said.

Kenya's Karichu, who led by two strokes after the second, round found the going tough finishing with a five-over-par 76, blaming his putting on the day for the slip.

"I started badly with bogeys on holes 1, 2, and 4 and three-putted on the par 3 and par 5 holes No.10 and 15, but I'm going for it tomorrow. The course was not easy as we thought; but I predict whoever plays level tomorrow will take it," Karichu stated.

 Karichu in action during round three of the Uganda Open at Entebbe course

Cheered on by club members, Entebbe's youngster Herman ‘Deco' Mutebi played some fantastic golf on the day, returning two-over-par-73 to remain in third place ahead of Daniel Baguma and Joseph Cwinya-i in fourth and fifth place.

The two had one of their best rounds in the tournament playing level and one-under-par 71 and 70 respectively to remain in contention, six and seven strokes off the leader, Otile.

Another upcoming youngster, Uganda's Joel Basalaine produced the best score of the day, a 67, that propelled him to the top ten.

Day-three:  Top ten

Ronald Otile     (UG) 67; 73; 71 211

John Karichu  (KEN) 70; 68; 76 214

Herman Mutebi (UG) 71; 71; 73 215

Daniel Baguma (UG) 74; 72; 71 217

Joseph Cwinya-i (UG) 71; 77; 70 218

Edwin Mudanyi (KEN) 66; 76; 76 218

Sam Njoroge   (KEN) 71; 73; 75 219

Joel Basalaine   (UG) 75; 78; 67 220

Mutahi Kibugu (KEN) 70; 75; 76 221

Anthony Irunga (KEN) 73; 75; 76 224

Edrine Okong (UGA) 74; 73; 77 224