Opolot, Komugisha win Toyota Captain’s Prize

Winners’ smiles:Toyota Uganda’s national sales and marketing manager Baisan Awori (C) hands the UGC Captain’s Prize overall winners’ trophies to Sam Opolot (L) and Judith Komugisha on Saturday at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante. PHOTO by Eddie Chicco

KAMPALA- It was all about merrymaking and toasting to Joseph Bagabo as he bowed out after two years’ service as Uganda Golf Club UGC) captain on Saturday.

He was officially ‘sent to rest’ as emcee David Ssekitoleko stated at the colourful UGC Captain’s Prize event at Kitante lit up by the red and white of sponsors Toyota.

The evening was crowned with ‘silent assassins’ Samuel Opolot and Judith Komugisha emerging as the overall winners on the day.

Playing off handicap 12, Opolot delivered a stellar round to wind up with 66 nett and beat the 200-man field at the par-72 course.

“It was fair,” a smiling Opolot said, “The course was nice to me.” It was the 23-year-old’s first major victory since choosing to take golf seriously in January.

“I started serious golf in January and professionals Becca Mwanja, Denis Anguyo and Amos Kamya have been my mentors in the game. I look forward to making the national team in the future,” he added.

Opolot carded two birdies on par-5s Holes No.1 and No.13 but double-bogeys on par-3 Hole No.11 and par-4 No.12 as well bogeys on par-3 Hole No.6 and No.7 deterred a perfect round.

Meanwhile, Komugisha silently beat the ladies by returning 68 nett off handicap 10. “I think it was God’s mercy and luck,” said the Ndejje University student.

“I want to thank the people I played with for the good company. I went to the bunker on Hole No.18 but I still got a par. My putting and chipping was so good,” added Komugisha.

Tournament results
Overall winners

M: Sam Opolot 66 nett
L: Judith Komugisha 68 nett
GROUP WINNERS MEN
A: John Waigo 67 nett
B: Michael Monne 69 nett
C: H. Olowo 67 nett
LADIES
A: Wendy Angudeyo 70 nett
B: Caroline Namutebi 72 nett (c/b)
GUEST WINNERS
M: Fred Nkuranga 68 nett
L: Patricia Nakuya 76 nett
NEAREST TO THE PIN
M: Dr. Sam Zaramba
L: Aidha Khamis
LONGEST DRIVE
M: Kin Kariisa
L: Eva Magala