Marvin Kibirige on Friday emerged champion in the professional category of the 2023 Absa Bank Captain’s Bell tournament held at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante, Kampala.
After two rounds, Kibirige shot an overall 6 under par 138 (63 & 75) to take the biggest chunk of UGX 10,000,000 kitty that the professionals were competing for.
Kibirige who is from Mary Louise Simkins Golf Club did most of the work in the opening round (Thursday) where he equalled UGC’s par-72 course record of 63 after he shot 9 under par. Then, he posted a seven-stroke lead ahead of second placed Adolf Muhumuza who had 2 under par.
Meanwhile, it was Abraham Ainamani who had the best score in the second round (Friday) after he shot 2 under par 70. Albeit tying for fifth with two others with level on day one, Ainamani managed to finish second at the end of the professional event of the Absa Bank sponsored tournament. He had an overall 2 under par 142.
However, basing on his day one heroics, it would be safe to say that Kibirige had a bit pebbly show in the final round where he shot 3 over par 75. However, his course record on day one helped him earn an overall 4-shot win at the end of it all.
Adolf Muhumuza and David Kamulindwa tied for third with 1 over par 145. Silver Opio came fifth, a shot behind.
Last year’s winner Deo Akope tied for sixth with Canary Kabise off 3 over par 147. Philip Kasozi and Baguma Richard were both a shot behind the duo.
The other players who made the cut are; Vincent Byamukama and Ibrahim Bagalana who tied for 10th with 6 over par 160.
Irene Nakalembe who was the only lady in the mix missed the cut by two shots after posting an overall 8 over par 152. Abbey Bagalana missed the cut by one shot after returning 7 over par 151.
The main event (amateur) of the Absa Bank Captain’s Bell tournament will be played on Saturday at the same venue. There are lots of prizes to be won across various categories including side bets. The mode of play will be medal. Last year, Dickson Agaba and Bernadette Musanabera emerged overall winners in the men’s and ladies’ categories of the amateur event off 40 points (c/b) and 41 points respectively. Musanabera also won the ladies longest drive prize.
Every year, the Captain’s Bell Tournament is hosted by the Uganda Golf Club to officially usher in the club’s newly elected Captain and his committee. The 2023/24 committee is led by Captain Emmanuel Wamala and his Vice-Captain Paul Fitzgerald Nuwagaba, who have been re-elected to lead the committee. The captain is looking forward to the event.
