Grace Kasango holds nerve to clinch Pearl of Africa Golf Series title

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‎A dramatic finish capped an absorbing Pearl of Africa Golf Series tournament at Entebbe, with Grace Kasango delivering a composed performance to secure a memorable wire-to-wire victory.
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‎Kasango, who teed off as the pre-tournament favourite on Thursday, justified expectations with a triumph that reflects significant improvement in his game over the past year, both mentally and technically.
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‎However, the spotlight at one stage appeared destined for Philip Kasozi, who mounted a fierce charge on the back nine during Saturday’s final round. Kasozi surged to five-under through the opening five holes on the inward nine, piling pressure on the leader with a display of precise driving and confident putting.
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‎By the time the pair reached the 15th tee, they were tied at eight-under overall, setting the stage for what looked like a potential playoff.
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‎The turning point came at the par-four 16th hole. Kasango hit the green in regulation and calmly converted a birdie, while Kasozi missed the green to the right and failed to recover for par, dropping a crucial shot that left him two behind with only two holes remaining.
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‎The tension intensified on the 17th when Kasango dropped a stroke, allowing Kasozi to close within one shot heading into the final hole.
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‎Both players found the fairway with solid tee shots on the 18th, but the decisive moment came with their approaches. Kasozi found the bunker, while Kasango safely hit the green, effectively sealing victory. Kasozi struggled in the sand and only reached the green in four shots, while Kasango held his nerve to secure a closing birdie and clinch the title.
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‎Kasango’s victory is historic, as he becomes the first golfer in Pearl of Africa Golf Series history to win a tournament from start to finish while returning only red scores. He opened with a 67, followed with a 69, and closed with a 68.
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‎Kasozi, despite the late setback, finished strongly in second place after recovering from an opening-round 73 to post back-to-back 67s.
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‎Entebbe professional Vincent ‘Araali’ Byamukama finished third, five strokes off the lead. Rodell Taddeo Gaita and Ronald Rugumayo shared fourth place on a total of 210, while David Kamulindwa and Davis Kato tied for sixth.a
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‎Kasango’s performance matched that of amateur champion Joseph Cwinya-ai, who also secured a wire-to-wire victory earlier in the week, although he closed with a 75.
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‎The Pearl of Africa Golf Series, launched in January last year, continues to grow rapidly on the local golf calendar. The next event is scheduled for mid-year, as professionals begin preparations for the Uganda Golf Open.
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‎The Entebbe tournament was supported by Case Hospital, Aquafina, Home Bliss, MTN, Vivo Energy, Exim Bank, Entebbe Sports Club and the Uganda Golf Union.