Kasango, Opio reign at Kakira open
Brotherhood. Phillip Kasango (L) receives the trophy on behalf of his brother Grace Kasango who was the Kakira Open champipn from the State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga. PHOTO/DENIS EDEMA
Grace Kasango is soon joining the paid ranks. But before he join the money-spinning category, the Jinja-bred player remains a classy amateur star.
Kasango reminisced memories of his first days by claiming his third title of the Kakira Sugar Open during the tournament’s 14th edition over the weekend. The 22-year-old carded a round of 70 gross over the nine-hole course to emerge as champion at the par-72 Jinja Club. He had done enough to edge Entebbe club’s Ronald Mugisha and his Jinja teammate Joseph Ngobi by a stroke to add to his 2014 and 2015 crowns.
“After training with my club pro teammates in the last weeks, I felt that no one would challenge me on my home course,” said the victorious Kasango.
“The greens were wet and bumpy enough for my approach balls and that really pushed me to deliver my A game.”
Battle for cash
Meanwhile Entebbe’s pro golfer Silver Opio edged Jinja-bred Abbey Bagalana via a sudden-death play-off after tying 141 to scoop the biggest share of professionals’ Shs10m kitty.
During the play-off at the 18th, Opio carded with two pars whereas Bagalana returned a par before his challenge melted with a bogey.
Meanwhile, Jinja club continued to show a glimpse of producing female talent after handicap 30 player Thereza Ampaire stunned to win ladies’ Group B with 60 nett.
2021 Kakira open
Overall winner:
Grace Kasango 70 gross
Seniors Winner:
Steven Katwiremu 69 nett
Professionals winner
Silver Opio 141 (s/d after 36 holes)
GROUP WINNERS (Men)
A: Ronald Mugisha 70 nett
B: Asuman Kaweesa 65 nett
C: Joel Baguma 69 nett
LADIES
A: Joan Nampeewo 73 nett (c/b)
B: Thereza Ampaire 60 nett
NEAREST TO THE PIN
L: Jalia Nampeewo
M: Robert Okoth
LONGEST DRIVE
M: Emmanuel Wamala
L: Prossy Zawedde
