Finalists Bagabo, Kaheru exit early, four women pairs in Singleton Rd. 2
Kaheru had no excuses for his no show alongside Bagabo. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
- Golf. Crowd favourites Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly K. Mukasa skipped the first hurdle – a relatively easy one for them – as they breezed past Grace Njeri and Ruth Mugisha 5-up with the game ending on No.14. The 19th hole was once again an oasis of entertainment.
KAMPALA. Like in the previous editions, the third edition of the Singleton Matchplay Golf Challenge continued to provide spills and thrills as Round One of 64 pairs took center-stage at the lakeside par-71 Entebbe Club course on February 16.
But with the prizes at stake in this third edition; a return golfing trip for the 12 best players to six different destinations courtesy of RwandAir as well as a fully-paid luxurious trip to the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic Tournament in January next year for the top three pairing – golfers were bound to throw spanners in each other’s works.
Last year’s finalists’ pair of cricketers-cum-golfers Paul Kaheru and Joseph Bagabo were the main victims as Season Three started to take shape following the Qualifying Round on January 12.
Little known Greg Patterson and Josef Salani were the victors with an authoritative 4-up with three holes to play win as two pairings shook hands at No.15 to end their contest.
No excuses
Despite the unfortunate defeat, Kaheru offered no excuses for his pairing’s no-show. “There was nothing special about them. They just beat us, somehow. We didn’t play well,” said Kaheru without mincing his words. Luckily for the reigning champions Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime, there were no jitters in their dominant 5/4 win over Edwin Tabaro and Ivan Wesonga.
The tandem partnership of Wendy Angudeyo and Doreen Mwesige, one of the four women pairings that made it to the next round of 32, registered the biggest victory of the day as they obliterated fellow lady golfers Sharon Musimenta and Suzan Kateeba 8/6.
Gloria Mbaguta and Hon. Evelyne Asiimwe as well as Maureen Okura and Martha Babirye, too, progressed after 5/4 and 3/1 victories over their respective opponents.
Crowd favourites Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly K. Mukasa skipped the first hurdle – a relatively easy one for them – as they breezed past Grace Njeri and Ruth Mugisha 5-up as the game ended on hole No.14.
The pair were at their vocal best at the 19th hole as Janzi Band and Fenon Records got the gallery dancing and merry-making.
RESULTS - SINGLETON CHALLENGE: ROUND ONE of 64
SELECTED PAIRINGS FOURSOMES - TODAY
Kato Sebbaale & John Basabose bt. Patrick Drake & Robert Ejiku 6/5
Isaac Mariera & John Muchiri bt. Peter Apell & Edwin Tumusiime 1st playoff hole
Maureen Okura & Marth Babirye bt. Godlive Nayebare & Lydia Kansiime 3/1
Gloria Mbaguta & Evelyne Asiimwe bt. Peter Wakholi & Stephen Krisch 5/4
Greg Patterson & Josef Salani bt. Paul Kaheru & Joseph Bagabo 4/3
Dan Kajungu & Collins Nuwagaba bt. David Nambaale & David Ssekitoleko 3/1
Oscar Semawere & Marvin Kagoro bt. Lucia Alinda & Bridget Nakamoga 3/2
Charles Hamya & Joseph Bogera bt. Ancel Tumwesigye & Moses Matsiko 1st playoff
Kiryowa Kiwanuka & Elly K. Mukasa bt. Grace Njeri & Ruth Mugisha 5/4
Wendy Angudeyo & Doreen Mwesige bt. Sharon Musimenta & Suzan Kateeba 8/6
Edward Okech & Douglas Schreck bt. Joseph Kimani & Samuel Opolot 7/5
Daniel Opwonya & Nathan Mubiru bt. John Katto & Hatwib Katoto 7/5
Peace Kabasweka & Sheila Kesiime bt. Edwin Tabaro & Ivan Wesonga 5/4
