Ronald Otile could not hide his joy after he successfully defended his Tusker Malt Uganda Open Amateurs title after a four day play at the Kitante Golf course in Kampala.
Ronald Otile could not hide his joy after he successfully defended his Tusker Malt Uganda Open Amateurs title after a four day play at the Kitante Golf course in Kampala.
The youngster led his group by five shots as he posted a score of 74 on day four of the 82nd edition of the Uganda Open. He posted an overall score of 291 (74, 69, 74, and 74) to defend his title.
Speaking after his triumph, Otile said; "I trained so hard with my partner to be able to retain this trophy. I worked so hard and you can see that my game has improved tremendously. I thank everyone who has supported me and I hope to be back next year to defend my title.”
Adolf Muhumuza, who gave Otile a run for his money from start to finish, came in second with a score of 296. He had led on day one of the Open but was unable to maintain his lead throughout the tournament.
Although Muhumuza was playing in his last tournament as an amateur, he was all praises for having faced a formidable opponent in Otile.
Kenya’s Muchangi Paul was third with a score of 301 whereas Zambia’s Aaron Simfukwe came in fourth with a score of 304. Seasoned golfer John Basabose was fifth after posting 304; level with Rwanda’s Nsabimana Alloys, who finished sixth.
During the awards ceremony, the Uganda Breweries Limited Managing Director, Mark Ocitti said; "We increased our contribution to the Uganda Open because of the success that we have witnessed over the years.”
"Last year, we witnessed Otile set a record by winning both the amateur and pros tournaments. He has been outstanding this year as he has showed us that the investment made to take him to a golf academy is already paying off,” he noted.
The feat also saw Otile become the first man to defend the Amateurs Open since Deo Akope’s hat-trick from 2000 to 2002.
The Uganda Golf Union has introduced a new regulation whereby the top ten winners of the amateur Open are allowed to play in the pros tournament, which starts on August 31 at the same venue — Otile is also the defending champion in this category.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw