Cwinya-ai, Kamulindwa come top in Kakira Open

 

It is the fourth major for the 23-year-old this year, following earlier victories in the Mayombo, Kinyara and Entebbe Open.

 

Although he was beaten by Kenya's Daniel Nduva in the Pam Golding Safari Tour tournament last week, the Kakira win offers the necessary relief and cements his claim for the golfer of the year accolade, having shone with the national team in winning the regional Zone IV championship in Burundi as well as the Victoria Cup against Kenya at Kitante.

 

In the three-hole playoff on holes 16, 17 and 18 Cwinya-ai registered pars on the three while Baguma double-bogeyed the last hole to surrender the title to Cwinya-ai.

 

"I feel very happy to win for my very first time in Jinja as this is my best career moment in life after winning 3 major titles in two months, thanks to my sponsor Isaac Aisu who is based in the UK," Cwinya-ai stated.

 

"He has indeed enabled me to feature in as many championships both in Uganda and in East Africa and this has helped me improve on my confidence. The wet greens on the course due to the rain on Thursday were indeed favourable to my game." 

 

 Kamulindwa bagged his first win since turning pro about a year ago. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

Jinja's Grace Kasango finished third, one stroke off on 148 gross.

 

Meanwhile, professional golfer David Kamulindwa also toasted to his first career win after carding 140 gross over 36 holes.

 

The 18-year-old Tooro Club golfer who is only a year in the paid ranks edged Dennis Anguyo, Said Mawa and Richard Baguma who tied in second by two strokes.  

 

Phillip Kasozi, Henry Lujja, and Herman ‘Deco' Mutebi tied in third on 143 gross each while Abraham Ainamani, Ronald Bukenya, and Brian Toolit tied in fourth on 144 each.

 

 

 

Joseph Cwinyai 147 gross

 

Christopher Baguma 147

 

Grace Kasango 148

 

Professionals: Top ten

David Kamulindwa 140

Dennis Anguyo        142

Saidi Mawa              142

Richard Baguma      142

Phillip Kasozi          143

Henry Lujja             143

Deco Mutebi            143

Abraham Ainamani 144

Ronald Bukenya      144

Brian Toolit            144