Handicap (0) star John Legirma of Kenya Railway Golf Club is winner of the Tusker Malt Uganda Open Golf Championship – Amateur Open after returning a total gross score of 287 (75, 72, 69, 71), one under par off four rounds at Uganda Golf Club’s (UGC) par-72 course in Kitante.
Legirma who won by three strokes after the final round on Friday evening beat a huge field of Ugandan charges who had been leading in the first three rounds only to fail to hold onto their lead on the final day.
“It’s actually my first time playing here (UGC) and I’m really happy about winning the Uganda Open. My initial target was to finish in the top five that’s why I think I was a bit relaxed throughout the tournament” Legirma who wins his maiden championship said during a media session at the 18th hole.
Legirma relives fellow Kenyan and an absentee for this year’s do Daniel Nduva of the title after the South African based star won it last year at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.
“It’s really exciting to win it from another Kenyan player. That means a lot for Kenya golf and going forward we only want to get better at the Uganda Open and other events. We hope to return here in large numbers for next year’s Open,” Legirma added.
Day one leader, Joseph Kasozi of Uganda finished second with a total gross score of 290 (two over par), two strokes ahead of fellow Ugandan Christopher Baguma who finished third.
A disastrous day four performance (80) saw Toro Club’s Michael Alunga squander a day two and day three lead only to finish joint fourth with a total gross score of 295, tied with national amateur team captain Joseph Cwinyai-ai and Gaita Rodell.
Denis Asaba (299) was another Ugandan who could have won the tournament but a less known Legirma who won a Matchplay at his club a few days ago wrecked havoc in the pecking order.
The Amateur Open is the oldest event in the Uganda Open Golf Championship, marking its 79th edition this year.
The 2020 Uganda Open winds down this Sunday when professionals tee-off for the final round of their event.
Uganda Amateur Open Leaderboard:
1. John Legirma (KE) – 287
2. Joseph Kasozi (UG) – 290
3. Christopher Baguma (UG) – 292
T4. Michael Alunga (UG) – 295
Joseph Cwinyai-ai (UG) – 295
Gaita Rodell (UG) – 295
T7. Denis Asaba (UG) – 299
Balala Adel (KE) – 299
9. Mwangi P. Rimui (KE) – 301
10. Marvin Kibirige (KE) – 303
