Uganda Golf Open: Alunga remains top,one stroke ahead

Dec 03, 2020

Alunga enjoyed a flawless round hitting 7 birdies on holes 1, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15 and a monstrous over ten-yarder putter on hole 18.

Uganda Golf Club's Michael Alunga carded a three-under-par 69 in the third round to maintain a one stroke lead as the Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Open raged on at Kitante.

Alunga enjoyed a flawless round hitting 7 birdies on holes 1, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15 and a monstrous over ten-yarder putter on hole 18, to remain one and two strokes ahead of Kenya's John Lerjima who also returned 69 and two over Joseph Cwinya-ai who also carded 69 for a total gross score of 217 over 54 holes.

"I had a well-balanced game today with all aspects of my game working out. I had to calm down to achieve this and I will employ the same strategy tomorrow (Friday)," Alunga said.

Kenya's John Lerjima continues to worry the Ugandans in second place, one stroke off

Despite trailing for three days, Cwinya-ai, the favourite for this year's championship believes he will make amends in the final round to win his first championship. He opened his round with an eagle on hole No.1 before notching birdies on holes 8 and 14 and managing 14 pars.

"I'm still off my target by one stroke because I had planned to play level on each of the completed rounds but at least I got my target of playing in the pressure group," Cwinya-ai said.

Uganda's Rodell Gaita is chasing seven strokes going into the last round of the main event

"I will now be watching my opponents but I have to improve my short game because my putting and chipping wasn't good enough but I hope to improve," Cwinya-ai stated.

The sh100m professionals' event teed off yesterday and going by the first round results, it promises to be a tight contest for the top positions.

Uganda's Deo Akope and Dennis Anguyo share joint leadership having returned two-under 70 each.

Anguyo leads the professional's event with two strokes

"I'm just going to hit the ball and try to enjoy myself and try not to put myself under pressure," Anguyo who hit four birdies on holes 1, 5, 6, and 14 said.

Two-time winner Zambia's Madalisto Muthiya is joint second with 5 other golfers; Uganda's Happy Robert, Herman Mutebi, Abraham Ainamani as well as Cameroon'ss Issa Nlared, all having carded 71 in the first round.

Round-three: Top ten Amateurs

Michael Alunga (UG) 76 70 69 215

John Lerjima (KE) 75 72 69 216

Joseph Cwinya-ai (UG) 73 75 69 217

Christopher Baguma (UG) 75 72 72 219

Joseph Kasozi (UG) 72 78 71 221

Rodell Gaita (UG) 73 75 74 222

Dennis Asaba (UG) 75 72 78 225

Marvin Kibirige (UG) 80 72 74 226

Mwangi Kimui (KE) 78 74 74 226

Adel Balala (KE) 76 76 75 227

Grace Kasango (UG) 75 76 151

Professionals: Top ten

Deo Akope 70

Dennis Anguyo 70

Madalisto Muthiya 71

Happy Robert 71

Herman Mutebi 71

Robinson Chinhoi (ZIM) 71

Issa Nlared (CAM) 71

Abraham Ainamani (UG) 71

Greg Snow (KEN) 72

Richard Baguma (UG) 72

Pride Sembo (ZIM) 72

David Wakhu (KEN) 72