Day Two of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open stayed true to the adage that ‘no two days are the same in golf.’ After a stellar 64 on Day One, Zambia’s Dayne Jr Moore followed up with a 73, enough to keep him in command of the leaderboard. Moore now leads by five strokes over Kenya’s ‘Pastor’ Jastas Madoya, who struggled with a five-over 76, leaving him even for the Championship.
Moore proved his skill and resilience with back-to-back eagles on holes 14 and 15, bouncing back from a disastrous triple-bogey on the par-4 13th. Meanwhile, 13 Ugandan golfers made the cut, including Ronald Rugumayo, who recovered from a shaky 75 in the first round to shoot an impressive 69. Also advancing to the final four rounds are Philip Kasozi, Abraham Ainamani, Rodell Gaita Tadeo, Marvin Kibirige, Vincent Araali Byamukama, and Deo Akope.
Among other local golfers making it through are Opio Onito, Bulhan Matovu, David Kamulindwa, and Adolf Muhumuza. Two Ugandan amateurs, 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena and Titus Okwong, will also continue their campaigns. However, it was heartbreak for Denis Anguyo and Samuel Kato, who missed the cut by a single stroke. The cut mark was set at six-over.
Several prominent players, including Rwanda’s Aloys Nsabimana, Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, Kenya’s Simon Ngige, and Zimbabwe’s Tongoona Charamba, had to pack their bags early.
Friday’s pressure group will see Zambia’s Moore tee off alongside Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera and 2021 champion Madoya, promising a thrilling round. Uganda’s Gaita, sitting at five-over for the Championship, is focusing on improving his tee shots on Day Three. “Everything starts with the tee shot,” he commented after Thursday’s round. “I struggled today, but if I can get that right, I’ll score better.”
The 19th edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open is supported by Hisense, Case Medical Services, Pinnacle Security Limited, HH Solutions, Medisell, NBS Sport, NCS, Pepsi & Aquafina, and MTN.
