Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) Captain Deo Akope is confident that local players will do well at the 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open pro event that teed off on Wednesday at Entebbe Club’s par-71 lakeside golf course.
Akope, who himself won the previous leg of the Safari Tour in Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa in October says that local pros have nothing to fear about facing foreign (especially Kenyan) players for he came atop them at their own backyard.
“No one ever thought that anyone of us would win in Kenya and I believe my victory has inspired everyone and has changed everyone’s perspective about Ugandan golf especially pro ranking,” Akope said prior to the opening round adding that local pros are fired up and are ready to pour ink on the previous pecking order.
According to Akope, they will play the course, not individuals and the results after Saturday’s final round will speak for themselves.
“I believe the local pros have a bigger chance to win the Open. We are also inspired by the Ladies and Amateur Open winners,” Akope noted adding that the pros have been working as a unit in the build up the championship that’s marking its 16th staging this year.
Local Pros have also been having home tournaments at Entebbe, Uganda Golf Club, Namulonge and Jinja and they were in fine shape by the time they teed off.
The pro kitty for this year’s pro event is UGX100M. It also doubles as a Safari Tour leg.
Zimbabwean pro Robson Chinhoi last year’s edition held at Uganda Golf Club.
Tusker Malt Lager is the championship lead sponsor and its partners are; Absa Bank Uganda, Abubaker Technical Services & General Supplies, Britam Uganda, Case Medical Services, Egis Road Operation Uganda, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, National Council Of Sports, NTV Uganda, Pepsi, Pinnacle Security Limited and Uganda Tourism Board.
Summary of 2021 Uganda Open schedule
Ladies Open: 18th to 20th November
Seniors Open: 19th to 20th November
Par-3 Competition: 24th November
Amateur Open: 24th to 27th November
Pro-Am: 30th November
Professional Open: 1st to 4th December
President’s Shield: 4th December
2021 Uganda Golf Open winners
LADIES: Irene Nakalembe (Uganda)
SENIORS: John Muchiri (Uganda)
AMATEURS: Joseph Cwinya-ai (Uganda).
