Joy for Nuwagaba, Asiimwe at Pepsi Independence Open

KAKUNGULU.

The Pepsi Independence Golf tournament not only continued to produce new champions but also broke new barriers in just its fifth year on Friday.

Rookie Enock Nuwagaba and Army Captain Evelyn Asiimwe were in a class of their own in the three-day event that attracted a record entry of 140 golfers at the Palm Valley Golf and Country Club in Akright Kakungulu Estate, off Entebbe Road.

Playing off handicap 28, Nuwagaba tallied a whopping 38 points to edge last year’s winner Dr Davis Kashaka of Rwanda, (handicap 2) by just one point. Kashaka’s consolation was the Group A men’s gong whose reward was a Huawei P8 phone and Mukwano hamper.

“This is special for me,” said the Entebbe-based golfer. “For me to win on Independence Day gives me double joy because it’s double victory for me. I would also like to thank my caddie Brian Kamoga. He has helped me develop my game at a fast rate. I also want to give a special mention to Edwin Tumusiime, who introduced me to the game of golf. This victory is for them.”

The battle for the ladies gong was an equally close shave. UPDF Captain Evelyne Asiimwe returned 34 points to deny the visiting lady Dutch golfer Paula Marleen the title by a single shot. “I had a good round and everything was flowing my way. I really enjoyed and I want to thank my playing mates,” said Asiimwe, whose caddy was home girl Meron Kyomugisha.

Marleen, too, had a nice consolation prize in the ladies’ Group C title, which she notched by 12 strokes ahead of Uganda Golf Club’s Gertrude Kityo.

OVERALL WINNERS
M: Enock Nuwagaba 38 points
W: Evelyn Asiimwe 34
Group winners (men)
A: Davis Kashaka 37 points
B: Richard Lutwama 34
C: Yunus Baale 32
Group winners (ladies)
A: Gloria Mbaguta 30 points
B: Wie Jie 24
C: Paula Marleen 33
Professionals – Top 5
Dennis Anguyo 74 75 149
Brian Toolit 72 78 150
Emma Opio Onito 73 77 150
Silver Opio 74 77 151
Vincent Byamukama 76 75 151

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