Odds against Byamukama, Otile at Barclays Kenya Open
Byamukama. PHOTO BY Eddie Chicco
KAMPALA.
Vincent ‘Araali’ Byamukama says he was born to make history. The Entebbe-based professional rookie will be hoping his ‘talk is not cheap’ when he makes a belated debut at the Barclays Kenya Open today.
The season opener of the prestigious European Challenge Tour runs from March 16-19 at the lavish par-72 Karen Country Club in Lavington, western Nairobi with 156 elite golfers in the fray and a cash prize of 220,000Euros (Shs820m). “I am not going to participate,” Byamukama shot back with determination when Daily Monitor contacted him.
“I am going to be representing my country. I have never played in Nairobi as I have only played in Mombasa. But I am full of belief that my talent and attitude which saw me win the qualifiers will help me post good scores.”
After the quartet of Deo Akope, Dennis Anguyo, Herman Mutaawe and Phillip Kasozi failed to play past two rounds at the annual meet, Byamukama says it will be fifth-time lucky for Uganda.
“I have to make the cut. It is my primary goal. I will target to shoot two-under after 36 holes and I believe that will be enough for me to progress to the money category. Ugandans wait for me to make history,” added the 24-year-old.
But besides playing on an alien course, Araali must be wary of the super quick greens and hopefully won’t catch the stage fright bug.
Double Uganda Open champion Ronald Otile will also be seeking a slice of victory as one of the two invited amateurs alongside Frenchman Romain Langasque.
