Triumphant Chenier targets more accolades

Kampala.

Whereas several rookies take ages to master the basics of the game and more so claim a podium finish, Paul Chenier can count himself lucky because he has achieved both in only six months.

The Englishman showed his steel with a haul of 41 stable ford points to silence a field of about 220 golfers during the Barclays Bank Corporate Golf Day on March 18 at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC), Kitante course. “This is my first time to win since I started out six months ago,” said the handicap 25 expatriate soon after receiving his trophy and side bet prize from Barclays managing director Rakesh Jha and Swithin Munyatwali, the bank’s board chairman.

“I was hoping I could win something much earlier when I started out and I am delighted that it has come to pass. Now I want more. I also thank all my friends who made sure I learn the game and those who have always allowed sharing a round with me.”

National team player Becca Mwanja bossed the men’s Group A with 38 points, James Byaruhanga with 39 points was the best in Group B whereas Michael Mwine and Jackson Kawuma took the honours in Group C and D with 37 and 35 points respectively.

Elsewhere, Uganda’s four-man team will be aiming to break their duck at the All Africa Junior Golf Challenge that tees off this morning at the Sea Race Golf El Kantaoui in Sousse, Tunisia.

On the tee for Uganda will be the quartet of Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi of Entebbe, Joel Basalaine (Lugazi), Dennis Agaba (Lugazi) and Edwin Okwong of Fort Portal. “Putting might be our only challenge but the boys are trying to get acclimatised to the greens. We are targeting a top three finish,” said team manager Oscar Semawere. Uganda finished sixth at the last meet.

BARCLAYS CORPORATE DAY
Top three professionals
Herman Mutawe 142
Deo Akope 143
Happy Robert 144
Group winners – women
A: Sheila Kesiime 38 points c/b
B: Jovia Otim 34 c/b