Godfrey Onyango Matata holds a slim one-stroke advantage heading into the final day of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open at the par-71 Entebbe Club. While a one-stroke edge may seem insignificant with another 18 holes to play, Matata is determined to make it count on Friday’s final round.
The leading group, set to tee off at 1 pm, features battle-hardened golfers Steven Katwiremu, Isaac Mariera, Tony Kisadha, and Matata, with just two strokes separating them. The competition is intense, with the leaderboard tightly packed, leaving room for twists and turns throughout the final day. Even the second group, consisting of Johns Muchiri and Katto, remains in contention, keeping the pressure on the leaders.
Despite playing a ten-over round of 81, Matata expressed frustration with his putting. “I had many three putts,” Matata said. “If I can improve, I believe I can lower my score.” Last year, Matata lost in a playoff to Katwiremu, but this time he’s focused on his own game. “If I can beat the course, then I will be home and dry. I have no control over what my opponents will do, but I have full control over what I can do.” With Mariera and Kisadha also in top form, the final round promises to deliver some thrilling competition for spectators.
Meanwhile, Oscar Semweya Musoke, host of the Capital Gang, returned a score of 136, trailing 16 strokes behind leader Andreas Papaloizou. Semweya’s best scores were double-bogeys on the par-3s 10 and 12, which added some respectability to his scorecard.
In the women’s competition, Jenina Nasimolo and Edrae Kagombe are tied at 90, just one stroke ahead of Catherin Pavie and four ahead of Katy Kabenge. In the event of a tie in either the men’s or women’s competition, a playoff will determine the champion.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is supported by sponsors including ABSA Bank, Pinnacle Security Limited, Aquafina, Case Medical Services, HH Solutions, Medisell, NCS, MTN, NBS Sport, and Orchard Interiors.
