Cwinya-ai expects tough competition ahead of the Hima Open in Toro
L-R: Toro Ladies captain Peace Kabasweka, Hima Brand manager Joan Kitawona, Toro Club captain Robert Mugabe and Toro chairman Frank Kirungi showing the trophies to be won at next week's Hima Cement Open. At the backare Uganda Golf Union representative Mark Namanya and the defending champion Joseph Cwinya-ai druing the launch. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Cwinya-ai inspired the team to the Victoria Cup in March before crushing the field at UGC to claim the top prize in the ABSA Captain’s Bell gross amateurs event with a record three-day score of 200.
National team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai has enjoyed a tremendous season thus far but he is not resting on his laurels ahead of the 2025 Hima Open due to be held at Toro Golf Club next weekend.
Cwinya-ai inspired the team to the Victoria Cup in March before crushing the field at UGC to claim the top prize in the ABSA Captain’s Bell gross amateurs event with a record three-day score of 200.
Yet despite being in terrific shape, the man named ‘Okada’ is anticipating a serious race for the main prize at a course he knows inside-out.
“This is a humbling game and it pays to be measured in your expectations,” Cwinya-ai told Daily Monitor on Wednesday. “I expect Titus Okwong to be a serious rival because he is born in the area and is playing very well.
“But likewise, no body can discount that kid Abdul Kakeeto; I know how good a golfer he is.”
Cwinya-ai did admit, though, that he is swinging as good as he has ever been this year. On Tuesday he shot a 65 in a casual round and is putting magnificently.
Asked about his strategy of getting to grips with the Toro greens, which are naturally different from the ones of the Greater Kampala courses, Cwinya-ai says that he will travel to Fort Portal ‘two or three days early’ to put in sufficient practice.
The Toro Open will be holding its second edition and the Hima Brand manager Joan Kitawona highlighted how important the tournament is for the cement company, the community of Fort Portal and the game of golf.
“The Hima Open is one of our main calendar events because it helps us give back to the community while building stronger bonds among the game of golf, which is a big part of our corporate social responsibility,” she remarked.
Kitawona added that next year’s edition, which will be the third, will have improved sponsorship from the company.
Also present at the launch of the competition were Toro chairman Frank Kirungi, the club’s lady captain and national lady golf team captain Peace Kabasweka and Uganda Golf Union representative Mark Namanya.
Other partners of the Hima Open are Home Bliss, North Corridor Holdings and the Uganda Golf Union.
Hima Cement Open
Date – July 12
Venue – Toro Club
Entry Fee – Shs50,000
Defending champion: Joseph Cwinya-ai
