Joseph Kasozi produced a confident opening round on Tuesday, August 25, to take a one-shot lead at the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open at Uganda Golf Club.
The national team player carded a four-under-par 68 on the opening day, setting the pace with six birdies on the first, fifth, eighth, 10th, 14th and 15th holes.
Kasozi’s strong finish, highlighted by back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th, lifted him clear of a tightly packed chasing group and gave him an ideal start to the 72-hole championship.
“My strategy for today was to score 4 under or lower,” Kasozi said after his round. “The strategy will remain the same in round two.”
Fellow national team player Abdullah Kakooza, representing Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club in Namulonge, was just a shot behind on three-under 69.
National team captain John Musiimenta followed on two-under 70 after an equally impressive start. The scratch player opened with four birdies in his first five holes before adding another birdie on the 13th green to remain firmly in the hunt.
Lawrence Walakira was fourth on one-under 71, while Zambia’s Dominic Musonda was the leading foreign player after an even-par 72.
Defending champion Joseph Cwinya-ai carded a one-over-par 73 and was tied for sixth alongside a group that included Paul Habyarimana, Juma Abiti, Musamba Kapoma, Derrick Musana and Antony Otukei.
Play was delayed by an hour following a heavy downpour, but the field eventually completed the opening round as Kasozi emerged as the early frontrunner.
The championship concludes on Friday after 72 holes and has attracted golfers from Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Serbia, the United States, Tanzania and Kenya.
This year’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open is supported by ABSA, MTN MOMO, Aquafina, Pepsi, Case Clinic, Medisell, Rose Foam, Pearl Marina, and NBS Sport.
