Zambian Muthiya takes two-shot lead on Day 1

Palmer had a fine opening round after firing a three-under 69. Photo by Eddie Chicco

KAMPALA- With the majority of the elite players crying foul due to a 45-minute hold-up in play due to a sustained drizzle, the men atop the leaderboard were having none of it.

Zambian Madalisto Muthiya and South Africa’s Michael Palmer showed they’re in town for business by exhibiting a putting masterclass enroute to setting pace on Day One of the Shs100m 10th Tusker Malt Uganda Professionals Open at the par-72 Kitante course yesterday.

After the persistent rain, Muthiya wrapped up his round of 67 under fading light but it wasn’t before his hot putter had lined up five birdies on the front nine (No.2, 3, 5, 7 and 8).

Even when the 32-year-old journeyman, who honed his skills in USA, three-putted for a bogey on No.11, he bounced back immediately with a birdie on No.13.

“The greens were rolling,” answered Muthiya, in a heavy American accent, when asked about his stellar putting show. “Of course Opens are not won on Day One, but they are lost on Day One. But it is a good place for me to be at the top.”

However, the Zambian, who is coming off a rich vein of form in the Sunshine Tour where he is ranked 36th on the Order of Merit, is hungry for more.

“I am not surprised I am playing well. I have been playing better. I must continue to putt well,” added the University of New Mexico alumnus, who is proudly the first black African to qualify and play in the US Open in 2006 – although he didn’t make the cut.

Softened greens
Palmer, 25, is happy with his round of 69 that leaves him just two shots off the pace. “The rains in the morning helped soften the greens which was good for me. My putting was superb,” said the Big Easy Tour regular, who had four birdies on No.5, 8, 10 and 18.

Kenyans James Karanja (70) and Kopan Timbe (71) are third and fourth respectively whereas Godfrey Mande, Brian Toolit and Herman Mutawe lead Uganda’s charge in joint fifth with four others.

“I had a good long putt on No.8. I haven’t been playing regularly and today’s shift should help me improve tomorrow.”
The nation’s main hopefuls Deo Akope and Dennis Anguyo blew hot and cold with returns of 76 whereas 2015 Open champion Ronald Otile is the best amateur with 73. A half of the field of 71 in the fray will be cut off after today’s round.

Madalisto Muthiya (ZAM) 67
Michael Palmer (SOU) 69
James Karanja (KEN) 70
Kopan Timbe (KEN) 71
Brian Njoroge (KEN) 72
Godfrey Mande (UGA) 72
Simon Ngige (KEN) 72
Brian Toolit (UGA) 72
Fadhily Nkya (TAN) 72
Herman Mutawe (UGA) 72
Stefan Engel (ZIM) 72