Toro Golf Club based Ronald Otile held his composure to emerge victorious after four days of golfing action at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club, Kitante in the 2015 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open.
The 20 year old golfer beat a strong field of golfers that included his national teammates; Adolf Muhumuza, Gideon Kagyenzi, Richard Baguma and BeccaMwanja to become Tooro Golf Club’s first ever Amateur Uganda Open title winner on Saturday, ending Tooro’s 72-year wait. He also took home the award for the longest drive (280 yards) on hole number 18.
Consistency gave Otile the title (Day one 70, Day two 75, Day three 76 and Day four 76) to return a gross total of 297. Second placed Baguma returned 299 and Kagyenzi in third place had a gross total of 300.
An ecstatic Otile later on said, “I am the happiest man in the world. This is a great day for Tooro Golf Club. I just wanted to maintain my scores between 70 and 76.”
The top 10 amateur golfers all got a bigger reward; the chance to participate in the Professionals Open that tees off on July 29, 2015.
Herbert Rwamibazi, the Tournament Director confirmed that the top 10 amateurs will take part in the Ush100m professionals Open.
Mark Mugisha, the Marketing Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, while presiding over the awards dinner reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the development of the sport in the country.
“As UBL, we are proud to be associated with such a sport that is attracting some of the best golfers on the African continent. We shall always be part of this event for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Competitive action resumes at the Uganda Golf Club as the Tusker Malt Professionals’ Open tees off tomorrow morning (July 29, 2015).
Neighbouring Kenya has the highest number of registered participants (31) for the event that has Uganda’s DeoAkope as defending champion.
DeoAkope has to contend with top players from the continent including eight players from the Sunshine Tour; TebogoSefatsa, TongoonaCharamba, FarayiChitengwa, Thabang Simon, Tyron Roelofsz, MeshackZwane, Arthur Horne Jr and MadalistoMuthiya.
Three players from the Big Easy Tour; Jason Froneman, Kyle Lucas and Michael Palmer have also confirmed their participation in the 2015 Uganda Open.
The tournament has attracted golfers from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, Nigeria and Ghana. A cut will be made after two rounds of action.
