Uganda reign in the rain at JW Challenge

Entebbe

Uganda are champions again after a four-year wait. A haul of 6.5 points, one more than Kenya (5.5) was the difference as Team Uganda finished on 18.5 points to reclaim the 16th Johnnie Walker East Africa Golf Challenge Trophy (EAGCT) at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club course yesterday. The triumph was only Uganda’s fourth title with 2000 (Kampala), 2009 (Entebbe) and 2010 (Kigali) being the other times a podium finish was achieved.

Both front runners; champions Kenya and Uganda were tied on 12 points apiece after three rounds but the real clincher for the hosts was their team strategy and deploying in the final round.

Unknown to the Kenyans, Tooro stalwart Adolf Muhumuza stunned Kenya’s best player John Karichu 2-0 (two-up at the final hole), a previously shaky Robert ‘Pablo Escobar’ Oluba turned on the style to defeat Tanzanian top seed Nuru Mollel (3/2) whereas national junior captain Ronald Otile secured a priceless half point against Tanzania’s Joseph Victor who led him 3-up at one stage.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Team Uganda captain Phillip Kasozi as the home crowd celebrated in the rain. “We have worked hard and showed that unity prevails at the end of the day. There was pressure and we didn’t want to let down our fans. Our performance in the foursomes on Saturday gave us newfound belief that we can pull it off today. Special thanks also go to our coach Amos Kamya. Now we are going to party till late.”

There was one loss by two-time Open winner Peter Ssendawula, who perished 3/2 (three-down with two holes to play) at the hands of Kenya captain Nelson Simwa but it didn’t matter.

Clinical display
Debutant Henry Lujja humiliated Burundi’s Hassan Nshirimana 8/7, Ronald Bukenya didn’t allow Rwandan James Ndikumana to cross to the 13th hole obliterating him 7/6, Happy Robert shook hands with Ethiopia’s Michael Aberon at 6/5 and Kasozi sealed the triumph with a hard earned 2-up victory over another Ethiopian Hagos Mulu.

Uganda, though, will have to thank Rwandan Francois Habimana, who defeated Kenyan Mohammed Tahir 2-up in the tournament’s last game. The gallery, dominated by locals, was relieved since Uganda needed half-a-point to seal the championship then.

“The guys have done what we asked of them. And as the Union, we are going to reward them a hefty cash prize. I am also going to push for a handshake with President Yoweri Museveni,” said Uganda Golf Union (UGU) president Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

Rwanda’s hard work paid off after coach Emmanuel Ruterana guided them to a third-place finish on 13.5 points, Tanzania consolidated fourth with 10, new boys Ethiopia were fifth with seven whereas Burundi tailed with only five.

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