Titus Okwong was under no illusions after a difficult day for Ugandan golfers at Leopard Creek Golf Course in Melalene, Mpumalanga in South Africa.
“Reckless mistakes on my side cost me,” Okwong conceded after a round of 77 left him trailing the leader by 12 strokes.
Zimbabwe’s Tanaka Chatora shot 65, including two eagles on the back nine. What is more remarkable is that Tanaka is only 18 years of age.
It is likely that Okwong’s recklessness by his own admission is a view shared by the other Ugandans who are competing at Leopard Creek when analysing their own games save for Michael Alunga who posted a 75.
On a course rated the best in Africa and 26th in the world, Uganda Open champions Joseph Reagan Akena, Joseph Cwinya-ai and Andrew Ssekibejja all struggled to score.
“Tomorrow will be a better day,” Okwong remarked, arguing that he and his colleagues had adjusted to the demands of the course.
“The conditions are PGA Tour class; very fast greens, thick semi-roughs, pristine fairways and soft and fine white sand bunkers and contoured greens.”
No doubt Bagalana, Akena, Thembo and Cwinya-ai will be keen to put a modicum of respectability to their names on the second day.
East Africa’s number one amateur golfer, Michael Karanga of Kenya, had few challenges in posting a 68 that leaves him in firm contention.
The winner of the 72-hole stroke play event will receive an exemption into the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. A total of 72 men are competing from the entire continent.
Okwong meanwhile has mapped out what to do. “I will be more keen on the second day,” he reiterated. “I want to go as low as I can, and who knows, maybe touch 69,” he added.
UGANDAN GOLFERS
- Michael Alunga – 75 (Tied 18th)
- Titus Okwing – 77 (Tied 31st)
- Elton Thembo – 79 (Tied 37th)
- Joseph Cwinya-ai – 80 (Tied 43rd)
- Andrew Ssekibejja – 82 (Tied 51st)
- Ibra Bagalana – 87 (Tied 62nd)
- Reagan Akena – 87 (Tied 62nd)
