Muhumuza in best shape to end Open anguish

Muhumuza teeing off at last year’s Uganda Open. The Tooro-based golfer is a man in fine form. Photo by Eddie Chicco

Kampala- Adolf Muhumuza not only thinks this could be the year it happens; the national team golfer believes all is in place for him to finally add the coveted Uganda Open title to his collection.

Three major victories are already to his name this year. The Venus Open in February, which teed off what he now calls his year, provided his first title of 2018.

Muhumuza then helped Uganda to the Africa Zone IV Golf Championship title at Nyali Club in Mombasa before destroying a field of fierce competitors this just ended weekend to clinch the Tooro Open gong as the hosts celebrated 100 years since the club’s founding.
The Tooro club golfer stroked six birdies and eight pars on day one to post three-under-par 68 before a ruthless round on the final day that returned an eagle, six birdies, 10 pars and a bogey for a commanding eight-under-par 63.

In the end, a nine-under-par 131 over the two days was a befitting score for the Tooro Open 2018 champion. “I feel very good,” he told Daily Monitor, “I’m in top form. I just have to keep practicing and remain in good fitness. This feels like it.”

In claiming the Open, Muhumuza beat off competition from David Kamulindwa and reigning Uganda Open champion Ronald Rugumayo, who stroked 133 and 134 respectively.

The 2018 Budweiser Uganda Amateur Open does not tee off until September 18 at Entebbe Golf Course, with the Ladies event starting six days earlier and the Professionals tournament later next month.

“Entebbe course used to disturb me but the last time I played there, I played singleton 2-under with three holes to go but ended with three bogies to finish one over, and before that in the qualifiers, I played level. So it is not bad at all,” assured Muhumuza.

“The good thing now is we have enough time to practice. I will speak to my sponsors and play the Ladies Open to get the feel of the course before we hit it proper.”

Muhumuza’s most agonizing experience at the 2014 Amateur Open when he was beaten by a stroke by Deus Kitata in a sudden death playoff. He hopes to put that to bed once and for all.

The just climaxed Tooro Open, which was sponsored by Tusker Malt Lager, Stanbic Bank and Coca Cola, was also played in celebration of 100 years of the club.

“As part of the celebrations, we are rebranding and rubberstamping our new strategy that includes improving our course to 18 holes from the current nine (with 18 tee boxes),” said Robert Asiimwe, the former chairman of TGC.

Tooro Open
LEADERBOARD
Adolf Muhumuza 68 63 131
David Kamulindwa 67 66 133
Ronald Rugumayo 66 68 134
Joseph Chwinyai 70 69 139
Emmanuel Jakisa 65 74 139
Denis Asaba 67 76 143
Grace Kasango 68 76 144
Stephen Kasaija 73 72 145
Richard Baguma 76 75 151
Sandy Lulet 75 77 152

BUDWEISER 2018 UG OPEN
September 12-15: 68th Ladies Open
September 18-22: 77th Amateur Open
September 24-29: 13th Professionals Open