Kasozi aims for strong tee off in Safari Tour
Kasozi missed the opening leg of the Safari Tour Series at Limuru last weekend but is anxious to get his campaign going in high gear today. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
The coronavirus pandemic has crippled the sports industry in Uganda with professional golfers among the most affected.
And even if golf was allowed to resume months ago, recovery has even been complex for the men in paid ranks because of lack of competition.
But last Sunday, the regional pro circuit - Safari Tour Series - teed-off at Limuru Country Club.
And the Series’ second leg comes at the Royal Nairobi Club in Kenya beginning today with a field vying for a $10,000 (Shs36.6m) kitty.
And Uganda is assured of representation with the pair of Abbey Bagalana and Phillip Kasozi in the fray. The latter missed Limuru last weekend but he is keen on getting well out of the blocks in the 2020-2021 season.
“I just want to resurrect my career,” said Kasozi before he left Kampala yesterday for action at the par-72 course.
He departed late after competing for a Shs20m kitty offered by Crown Beverages Chairman Board of Directors Amos Nzeyi through the Pepsi brand to Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA).
Businessman Nzeyi gave UPGA the money as a token to players since his course Palm Valley in Kakungulu would have customarily hosted the Pepsi Independence Open this weekend but preparations were halted by the pandemic.
Nzeyi told UPGA that each member would receive part of the money even if they had not made the cut at the only-pros’ event on Thursday and Friday. Kasozi heads to Royal Nairobi without much competition practice and he has no chance of a practice round.
“I am not going to win but, I am going to get that competitive strength going again. I will also gain some confidence, basically revision then we see from there,” said the 2012 Uganda Amateur Open champion.
“I have been preparing though game time is different from training. It is tough when you don’t compete.”
So does a cut after Day Two on Monday qualify to be a bonus? “Yes,” Kasozi stated, “I will have some days of better preparation at the next tournament.”
SAFARI TOUR SERIES
SECOND LEG
Series: 2020-2021
Leg: 2nd
Dates: October 11-14
Venue: Royal Nairobi Club
Course: Par-72
Kitty: $10,000 (Shs36.6m)
Ugandans in fray: Abbey Bagalana, Phillip Kasozi
PROFILE
Full Name: Phillip Kasozi
Started Golf: February, 2007
Turned pro: March, 2015
Best score: 63 at Uganda Golf Club
Favourite Golf Club: Black Mountain Golf Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand
Apparel: Titleist
Favourite Ball: Titleist
Favourite Golfer: Tiger Woods
Major Honours: Uganda Amateur Open (2012), Kinyara Open (2017), Entebbe Chairman’s Cup (2017), JBG Open (2018), Serena Kigo Open (2018)
