Red-hot Rukundo, Asiimwe scoop Netherlands Business Day crowns

KAMPALA- Since taking to the course almost 15 months ago, Paul Rukundo’s passion has been evident for all to see.
And despite trying to make many ends meet and the companies he steers stay afloat, Rukundo has been consistent on the range; playing at least three times a week and an additional round of 18 holes over the weekend.

Unfortunately the reward for the time put in has not been as good with the 15-handicapper’s moments of triumph oscillating between the Wednesday Club Nite and Friday Ladies Nite competitions. But on June 2, Rukundo came out of his shell with a sizzling round of 42 points to win the Netherlands Business Golf Day Tournament by two strokes at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Kitante course.

“I actually won the Club Nite with 21 points last Wednesday,” Rukundo revealed to Daily Monitor soon after receiving his trophy from Netherlands’ Ambassador to Uganda Henk Jan Bakker.

Together with overall ladies winner MP Evelyn Asiimwe (38 points), the pair also received business class return air tickets to Amsterdam from co-sponsors Dutch Airline KLM.

“A lot of the guys have been helping me with my game. The professionals have been helpful and I have been playing well. My only problem has been with the finishing. Many times I have spoilt my rounds as I get excited with the scores. But this time, I put my head down and focused throughout. The fact that I hit long off the tee-box helped me a lot. I only landed in the woods a few times. Most of the time, I was on the fairways. I had a good number of pars and two birdies on No.6 and 8,” disclosed Rukundo before adding, “I was in good nick and my scores were like those of an everyday handicap 9 golfer. I know my handicap will be lowered. And my dream is to lower it to single digits by the time the Uganda Open comes around.”

Co-sponsors representatives Marcj Van Esch (Shares), Gilbert Assi (Vivo Energy), Lukia Otema (KLM), Deon Newwort (Sadolin paint) and Paul van Apeldoorn (dfcu) also handed over prizes to the different outstanding golfers in the men and ladies Groups A-D.

Each of the group winners received a fuel voucher worth Shs500,000.

NETHERLANDS BUSINESS DAY
Overall winners
M: Paul Rukundo 42 points
W: Evelyn Asiimwe 38
Group winners (men)
A: Rodwell Gaita 40 points
B: Isaac Nsereko 40
C: Dan Lyagaba 38 c/b
D: Kim You Churi 41
Group winners (women)
A: Katy Kabenge 36 points c/b
B: Gertrude Kityo 34
C: Sarah Jordan 39
Junior Winner
Anton Krisch 33 points

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