Hakizimana ‘ecstatic’ after Open win

Professionals – Top 5 J.B Hakizimana (RWA) 281 E. Ruterana (RWA) 284 H. Mutawe (UGA) 287 D. Lagoro (UGA) 288 D. Akope (UGA) 291 V. Byamukama (UGA) 291 JEAN Baptiste Hakizimana was understandably overwhelmed after winning his first major title in Uganda. The 20-year-old, claimed a three-stroke victory at Kitante’s Par-72 Uganda Golf Course, to complete a remarkable week were he completely dominated the region’s big names in the 68th edition of the elusive Uganda Open. He did it in the most impressive fashion imaginable, nervelessly defending a three-shot overnight lead and making just two bogeys on his way to a closing 71. Hakizimana, who had previously made two futile attempts, had not won a title this year, before claiming the most prestigious title on the Uganda golf calendar and now looks set to keep the golf clubs blazing ahead of the Rwanda Open. Unbelievable “It’s unbelievable - just amazing,” said the 20-year-old. “It’s probably going to hit me this week. I felt like I played well throughout the four days and the biggest goal for me was to stay cool.“It became a bit difficult having a big lead, but I’m glad I had all those shots in hand on the 17th.” “It is a good morale booster especially with the Rwanda Open round the corner,” he added.Hakizimana beat his compatriot Emmanuel Ruterana by three strokes. Despite a wobbly three-over par 147 after the first two rounds, Ruterana shot 68 and three-under par 69 in the final rounds to snatch second place. For the win, Hakizimana pocketed Shs3million while Ruterana settled for Shs2million. The Ugandan trio of Henry Mutaawe, Dickson Lagoro and Deo Akope rounded off the top five slots with 287, 288 and 291 respectively. The amateur category was claimed by homeboy Brian Mwesigwa. Ends

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Hakizimana ‘ecstatic’ after Open win