GOLF: Uganda eager to defend title at Africa Region IV

Golf. Gaita from Tooro and Nsubuga of Mehta are both scratch players and every little bit will matter on debut

Defending champions Uganda will have to beat four other nations if they are to retain the Africa Region IV Golf Championship title in Burundi this weekend.
The holders arrived in Bujumbura on Friday and have steadily acclimatized to the conditions at the par-71 course ahead of the first round this morning. “It’s been cool in the morning and hot in the afternoons,” remarked team captain Joseph Cwinyaai from the team camp at Hotel Source Du Nil.
“Temperatures are going up to 26 degrees Celsius,” he said. While Cwinyaai, Daniel Baguma, Rodell Gaita and Godfrey Nsubuga have spent some good time on the Bujumbura greens, the course hasn’t matched their expectations yet.
“The fairways and greens are not in the best condition but we are still going to give our best and defend the trophy,” said Cwinyaai.
Cwinyaai is the only member remaining from the team that won this tournament at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, Kenya last August.

Going pro
The rest; Adolf Muhumuza, David Kamulindwa and Ronald Rugumayo have since turned pro. However, there’s little to worry. Cwinyaai won the same championship, while it was still called the East Africa Challenge Trophy, in Ethiopia three years ago.Baguma, playing off handicap two, carries a wealth of experience following a two-year stint in South Africa and he is in his final preparations for school in USA.
Gaita from Tooro Club and Nsubuga of Mehta Lugazi Club are both scratch players and every little bit will matter when they take to the course for the stroke-play round this morning before the foursomes and singles on Day 2 and 3.
“The team has had more than three weeks together and is in high form and spirit, so we expect good performance and results,” stated team manager Moses Matsiko.
Uganda will vie for the silverware against two teams from Burundi as Rwanda is not taking part.