Nakalembe determined to defend Entebbe Open
Nakalembe says she is in shape going into the Entebbe Open. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
KAMPALA- Irene Nakalembe will aim to become the first lady to retain the title when the Britam Insurance and Castle Lite-sponsored Entebbe Ladies Open tees off at Entebbe Golf Course this morning.
“With God on my side, it is very possible to be crowned winner again on Saturday (tomorrow),” Nakalembe, preparing to take on 59 other ladies at the par-71 lakeside course, said yesterday.
The handicap-five player is in the right mental state following a month of intense training at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante alongside Eva Magala and Gloria Mbaguta.
This national ladies’ team trio is preparing for the All-Africa Challenge Championship due next month in Tunisia.
“I have been on course big time, my drives and mental strength are better. And my new Cleveland clubs are doing a good job,” the 32-year-old Nakalembe revealed.
A practice round in Entebbe is even helping her gauge her chances better. “I had one round there yesterday (Wednesday) and if the weather is okay, I will do another nine holes today (yesterday). The greens are fine but the course is going to play longer and that’s a challenge.”
Even in the absence of four-time Uganda Ladies Open champion Flavia Namakula, the soft-spoken player knows where the threat lies.
“Eva and Gloria are my biggest opponents since the best were chosen for national team duty. Eva has a lot of experience and an edge,” Nakalembe added. “Of course, it would be nice if I prepared for the Africa meet by winning in Entebbe,” noted Mbaguta, who came joint fifth with Katy Kabenge last year.
“And unlike the rest, I also have the World Left-Handed Golf Championship in Japan after Tunisia so winning in Entebbe will be a perfect springboard,” she added.
