Namakula goes for Ladies Open hat-trick

Flavia Namakula will face stiff competition from Eva Magala, Tanzania’s Iddi Madina and Kenyan Agnes Nyaiko as a Uganda Ladies Golf Open tees off today. Photo by EDDIE CHICCO

KAMPALA- Flavia Namakula is accustomed to starting the Uganda Ladies Golf Open as the defending champion.

Namakula won her maiden gong in 2010 and retained it the following year. She was at it again in 2014 and 2015. More uniquely, Namakula will pursue her third successive Open title when the three-day Castle Lite-sponsored event tees-off at the par-72 Kitante this morning.

“Winning a fifth title wouldn’t hurt. But it’s going to be tough,” she said ahead of the showpiece comprising 45 players from five countries.

“One thing I learnt there is to attack the greens and have more chances of saving pars and birdies.

And I hope that helps me in the Open,” she said
The task will be an audacious one for the 29-year-old considering the familiar foes in the field like Eva Magala, who finished six strokes behind her for a second placed finish at last year’s Open.

“Just a few final touches and I will be good to go,” Magala noted.

Gloria Mbaguta, nine-time runner-up Monica Ntege and handicap-five player Irene Nakalembe, who has won a catalogue of showpieces this year, are the other faces to watch.

“My plan is to play 75 and below over three rounds,” said Nakalembe, winner of the Entebbe Ladies Open.

Zimbabwean Loyce Chingona, who tees-off with Namakula first, cannot be overlooked as she’s made the top-five positions whenever here.

Tanzanian Iddi Madina, who beat Namakula in the 2013 Entebbe Open will spice up the contest.
Agnes Nyaiko leads the Kenyan contingent of six.

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2010: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2011: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2012: Angel Eaton (Tanzania)
2013: Angel Eaton (Tanzania)
2014: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)
2015: Flavia Namakula (Uganda)