Tooro Club and national team star Joseph Cwinya-ai is still in celebratory mood after winning the 2021 Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Golf Open last weekend at Entebbe Club’s par-71 lakeside golf course.
After four rounds of play, Cwinya-ai, handicap 2 returned an overall score of 3 over par 287 (75, 73, 71, 68 ), becoming the first Ugandan since Ronald Otile (2018) to hoist the event’s winner’s accolade, his first ever Uganda Golf Open title.
Cwinya-ai came from behind to post him self on the pressure group for the final round having finished outside the top four in the first two days. He now says that he believed in himself and it paid off.
“I knew and believed that this open was mine this year. I worked hard and was focused throughout the four days,” Cwinyaai noted in a post-tournament interview with Kawowo Sports.
“I thank everyone who helped me achieve my dream from the sponsors, friends, Tooro club members and former winners Ronald Rugumayo, Ronald Otile and others,” Cwinya-ai added.
Going forward, Cwinya-ai wants to turn professional next year in order to start earning money from the game of birdies and bogies. Ronald Rugumayo who won the Amateur Open in 2017 was another player who turned pro the following year after hoisting the nation’s most precious golf accolade.
However, the Tusker Malt Uganda Golf Open will wind down on Saturday, 4th December when the Professionals play their final (fourth round). The President’s Shield will also be played during the finale.
This year’s pro kitty is UGX100M with the event doubling as a Safari Tour leg. Zimbabwean pro Robson Chinhoi won last year’s edition held at Uganda Golf Club.
However, with Ugandan pair of Cwinya-ai and Irene Nakalembe having won the Amateur and Ladies title earlier in the championship, local pros will now attempt to ensure that all trophies stay home.
