Marvin Kibirige hit a thunderous drive of 360 yards on the 18th to land in the most desirable part of the fairway. With the pin placed at the back of the green, he had every reason to attack the flag.
Given how close the Pearl of Africa Series are, it is likely that the competition will be decided by the narrowest of margins.
Kibirige took his time, read the conditions and distance before lofting the ball to within two metres of the pin. He had work to do but duly read the perfect line before rolling his putt for birdie.
That putter gave him a level round of 72 to leave him two strokes ahead of David Kamulindwa who maintained the one-under 71 he played on the opening day.
For Ronald Rugumayo, the day couldn’t have gone more horrible. His struggles on the par-5s were highlighted with a triple-bogey on the 13th but he is five shots off the pace.
He is by no means out of contention. Considering that he will be teeing in the second group behind the pressure trio of Kibirige, Kamulindwa and Deo Akope, Mayo will enjoy playing under the radar.
Day three is moving day and after the cut was confirmed at eleven-over, the professionals will be fighting to climb up the leaderboard to move into the money places.
Some of the names that missed the cut are Vincent Byamukama, Hussein Bagalana, Herman Mutaawe, Saidi Mawa and Canary Kabise.
Among the prominent names who made it to day three include Philip Kasozi, Abraham Ainamani, Grace Kasango, Irene Nakalembe, Adolf Muhumuza, Becca Mwanja and Davis Kato.
In the amateurs, John Musimenta had a rough second day after he carded a five-over 77. He got a triple-bogey on the par-4 16th.
But so commanding is Musimenta’s lead at Uganda Golf Cub that after his day two wobbles, he remains with a seven-shot lead at the top.
Ronny Okoti and Ibrahim Ssemakula are a distant second and third. It would take a collapse of Devon Loch proportions to deny Musimenta victory.
The chairman of the POA series, Dr Edward Nyatia has meanwhile been impressed by the response golfers, enthusiasts of the game and well-wishers have given to the inaugural event.
“When we hatched the idea, we didn’t know how it would go but we are glad that we have reached here and the sky is the limit,” he remarked.
