When Kenya’s Adel Balala shot a two-under 69, the smart money was on him to be right up there come Saturday’s pressure group.
But after yesterday’s round of 82, it is unlikely that he will be in the final group to tee off in the 2024 Uganda Golf Amateur Open.
Instead, the likelihood is that Uganda’s Joseph Cwinya-ai will be in strong contention after he shot a two-over 73 to go three-over for the Championship.
The 2021 champion eagled the par-5 number seven and added four more birdies on 8, 10, 11 and 18. The only blemish on his card was a double on the 17th.
Other Competitors
Close on Cwinya-ai’s heels is Joseph Reagan Akena who also shot a 73. Abdul Kakeeto and Michael Tumusiime are in joint-third, three shots behind Cwinya-ai.
Tumusiime’s otherwise good round was spoilt by a triple-bogey on the final hole that denied him joint leadership of the Open with Cwinya-ai.
Unlike the downpour that was in Kampala, Entebbe was another day of dry weather. The course was running once again, and punished golfers who struggled to arrive in regulation.
US-based golfer and defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga redeemed himself with a round of 72.
The day’s best scores were played by the youthful Ibrahim Ssemakula and another
youngster Elton Thembo who both carded a level round of 71.
The nature of the course is such that the leaderboard can turn in the blink of an eye as demonstrated by the two good and bad rounds Balala and Nsubuga have registered over the two days.
That means that Samuel Bazaale, Titus Okwong and Balala too can’t be written off despite being a couple of shots off.
Friday’s round will include a subsidiary round for Group C golfers. Group B have been penciled in for Saturday.
This year’s Open is the 83rd edition in history. With 12 titles, the late Sadi Onito is the most successful in the tournament’s history.
Courtesy Photos
