Magala attempts title defence at Nigeria Open

Not Resting On Her Laurels. Magala is eager to win again. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

Eva Magala can’t allow a lengthy conversation about her recent golf rounds.
She has been a near opposite of her best as her Uganda Ladies Golf Union presidency work took a toll on her over the past two months. Magala failed to make the top 10 places at the Uganda Ladies Open in Kigo. Then, at the East & Central All Africa Challenge Trophy (ECAACT), she was relegated to team manager again because of logistical work.
After ECAACT in Entebbe on October 26, Magala was greeted with relief. “I can now play golf again without pressure,” she said then after being announced as new East & Central Africa Trustee at AACT. Today, Magala will lead the Ugandan group of nine as she bids to defend her title at the Nigeria Ladies Open in coastal town of Lagos. “I expect to try and defend the trophy,” Magala told this paper yesterday.
Magala has camped at the IBB International Golf Club for almost a week, the same venue where she returned 251 gross over 54 holes to defeat home-based pair of Rachael Danjuma and Wilfred Amina by a stroke last year.
The handicap five player will have motivational support and equally healthy competition from her compatriots like Entebbe Ladies Open champion Irene Nakalembe who came fourth in Lagos a year ago.
Reigning Tanzania Ladies Open winner Peace Kabasweka, left-hander Gloria Mbaguta, Hon. Maj. Evelyne Asiimwe, Wendy Angudeyo, Hon. Carol Kamusiime, Anne Abeja and Safari Zawaddi are all in Nigeria.