Ugandan Nakalembe triumphs at Nigeria Ladies Open

Winner’s smile. Ugandan Irene Nakalembe celebrates with her trophy after winning the Nigeria Ladies Golf Open in Lagos at the weekend. COURTESY PHOTO

In newer chapter, 2019 is another year where Ugandan golfer Irene Nakalembe felt she could have achieved more after failing to convert top place finishes into titles.

However, she will feel a bounty of relief and satisfaction after she held onto her early lead to win the Nigeria Ladies Open by 12 strokes at the IBB International Course in Lagos at the weekend.

The handicap four player ensured the trophy was won by a Ugandan for a second year running after she returned an aggregate score of 236 gross after three rounds.

“It means a lot to me,” a delighted Nakalembe told this paper via phone from Lagos yesterday. “I haven’t won for some time. It revives my golfing mood,” she said.

After winning a record fifth Entebbe Ladies Open crown in March, she was third at the Kitante Ladies Open, second at the Uganda Ladies Open as well as the Tanzania Ladies Open.

“I lost in Tanzania and Kigo due to bad starts. And when I discovered the weakness, I worked on my start and became victorious. I give thanks to God,” stated Nakalembe.

She began with a fine round of four-over 76 to set the pace with a four-stroke lead and didn’t look back. “I started well which I don’t normally do and kept in there,”

On the final day, Nakalembe coasted to a 12-shot victory. “I scrambled on the front nine and played level back nine. I composed myself better and somehow, things went my way. Putted well and was always on regulation,” she added.

Another Ugandan Eva Magala who was champion last year, came fourth behind home darlings Rachael Danjuma and Wilfred Amina who were second and fourth respectively.

Left-hander Gloria Mbaguta tied in sixth, Hon. Maj. Evelyn Asiimwe was ninth and Peace Kabasweka completed the top ten places. Other Ugandans Wendy Angudeyo and Anne Abeja were 17th and 28th respectively.