Quick adaptation key for Uganda at Junior Golf WC

From the escalators to remote carts on the course, there is inevitable culture shock for debutants Team Uganda at the Junior Golf World in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan.

And Uganda’s four-man team was further blown away during yesterday’s practice round on the par-72 course at Chukyo Golf Club.
None of the quartet vindicated their scratch handicaps as Michael Alunga carded 85, Ibrahim Aliga struggled with 93, captain Joel Basailane fought to end on 82 while Dennis Asaba was the best with five-over 77.

“The greens were too fast,” team manager Oscar Semawere said via phone from Toyota City yesterday. “By the time they adjusted, it was late,” he said.

Asaba, who hit 250 yards, 55 yards behind the winner in the longest drive contest at the weekend, made four birdies on the back nine, an implication of quick acclimatisation.

Now more yet faster adaptation will be needed when the four players head to the 10th tee for Day One action today. “The boys just need to stay calm and return decent scores on first day,” said Semawere, who also doubles as Uganda’s Junior Golf Development manager.

Uganda is grouped with players from Argentina and Australia for the day and captain Basalaine knows that they can write a strong statement at this tournament starting here.

“After the looking at the course layout, there are two par-5s, six par-3s and the rest are par-4s. It is a tight course and we must play so safe,” said Basalaine, who is US-bound.

TOYOTA JUNIOR GOLF WORLD CUP
NOTEBOOK
Edition: 27th
Tournament dates: June 18-23
Venue: Chukyo GC, Toyota City, Japan

TOYOTA JUNIOR GOLF WORLD CUP

DAY ONE TIMES - AT 10TH TEE
2:40AM: Michael Alunga (UGA), Abel
Caputo (ARG), Elvis Smylie (AUS)
2:50AM: Ibrahim Aliga (UGA), Guillermo
Estivill (ARG), Jye Pickin (AUS)
3AM: Dennis Asaba (UGA), Vicente
Marzillio (ARG), Hayden Hopewell (AUS)
3:10AM: Joel Basalaine (UGA), Federico
Shin (ARG), Joshua Greer (AUS)

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