Six rookies named to national golf team
KAMPALA.
Like it is in many societies, mixed reactions arise when rules are changed. Such was the case when Uganda Golf Union (UGU) decided that only players below the age of 30 would be considered to feature for the men’s national team starting this year.
And this alteration accounts for why six rookies made the cut for the 20-man national side after the three-day qualifiers played at the par-71 Kitante and par-72 Entebbe courses earlier this week.
They include Jinja’s Ismail Mahmood, Entebbe’s Martin Ochaya, Boney Amale and Samuel Kato, Uganda Golf Club’s Hassan Kiyemba and Richard Baguma.
The latter from Tooro Club, is the youngest of lucky final lot. “I am really delighted to make the cut after three years of hurt,” said the 16-year-old.
Baguma returned scores of 80, 73, 71 and 76, finishing as runner-up on 14-over par, five strokes behind winner fellow Fort Portal-bred lad Ronald Otile. “Such a regulation by UGU paves way for so many youngsters to consistently sprout in the country and we have seen it in these qualifiers,” reasoned 21-year-old Adolf Muhumuza.
But not many golfers above 30 would side with him. That UGU directive vindicates why former national captain Phillip Kasozi, Peter Ssendawula, and Robert Oluba were notably missing at the qualifiers.
“Many people said they (the quartet) boycotted the qualifiers but it isn’t true,” said national coach Amos Kamya. “Much as they would have loved to play, they are above the required age. But there are two slots reserved for that category on the team in the future.”
Abbey Bagalana, Becca Mwanja, Daniel Baguma, Joel Bassalaine, Jonathan Musinguzi, Edrine Okwong, Markie Nassar and Richard Muhumuza didn’t make the cut.
The 20 finalists, alongside selected ‘over age’ players, will camp later next month and compete for the available nine slots before Uganda hosts the Africa Zone VI Championship in April.
NATIONAL MEN’S GOLF TEAM – FINALISTS
Tooro Club: Adolf Muhumuza, Ronald Otile, Richard Baguma, Ronald Rugumayo, Titus Okwong, Lawrence Muhenda, Joseph Cwenyai
Entebbe Club: Patrick Mwaka, Henry Lujja, Andrew Byaruhanga, Deus Kitata, Martin Ochaya, Samuel Kato, Boney Amale, Herman Mutebi
Mehta Club: Ronnie Bukenya
Kilembe Golf Club: Happy Robert
Uganda Golf Club: Hassan Kiyemba
Jinja Club: Ismail Mahmood
Palm Valley Golf and Country Club: Abraham Ainamani
