Handicap -2.5 golfer Godfrey Nsubuga had a stellar start to the amateur event of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship today, with six birdies and an eagle, securing the top spot on the leaderboard. Nsubuga was in top form, demonstrating his skill and mastery over the course with a series of impressive shots, leaving his competitors trailing behind.
Overall, Nsubuga shot six birdies, one eagle, 10 pars and just one bogey at the Uganda Golf Club’s par-72 course in Kitante, Kampala handing himself a dream start to the tournament that is marking its 82nd staging. He carded 7 under par 65 ahead of Thursday’s second round.
Nsubuga led in the opening round by five strokes, with second placed Ibrahim Bagalana posting 2-under par 70. Peter Tumusiime and Joseph Kanolera are tied for third with level par 72. 2021 winner Joseph Cwinya-ai is fifth with 1-over par 73 while defending champion Andrew Ssekibejja struggled in the opening round as he finished tied for 54th with five others off 10-over par 82.
Nsubuga, a member of Mehta Golf Club in Lugazi stormed out of the gate and dominated the front nine, putting on a clinic with a stellar display of golf, finishing the first nine holes with five birdies and four pars. He had consecutive birdies in holes 1, 2 & 3 and 5 & 6. He had pars in holes 4, 7, 8 and 9.
After a bogey-free round in the front nine, Nsubuga who is in pursuit for his first Uganda Open title, had a good show in the back nine as well but a bogey in the par-3 hole 17 meant that he dropped a shot once. However, the dropped shot was ‘compensated’ earlier in his round with an eagle at the par 5 hole 13. He birdied at the par-3 hole 17 and he had pars in the other holes.
“I would like to thank God that has enabled me play well today, it has been a good round for me” Nsubuga said after his round adding that; “whatever has been trying out, my wedges, my irons, my putting and my driving have all been good.”
Nsubuga’s steady and consistent performance was met with cheers and applause from a section of fans as he displayed his prowess on the green. His impressive six birdies and an eagle are a testament to his skill and determination to perform at the highest level.
“When I woke today I was very positive. My target was level par so anything better than that I will just thank God,” Nsubuga noted adding that he’s looking forward to maintaining his form throughout the tournament.
The other golfers will have their work cut out for them if they hope to overtake Nsubuga and claim the top prize. With the tournament now in full swing, fans and spectators alike will be eagerly watching to see how the rest of the competition unfolds.
2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open
Amateur Day One Leaderboard
- Godfrey Nsubuga (UG) – 65
- Ibrahim Bagalana (UG) – 70
T3. Peter Tumusiime (UG) – 72
T3. Joseph Kanolera (UG) -72 - Joseph Cwinya-ai (UG) – 73
