Zambia’s towering golfer, Dayne Jr Moore, delivered a near-perfect performance on the opening day of the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club. The 32-year-old, who is based in South Africa, shot an impressive round of 64, sinking nine birdies, including on all the par-5s. Despite two bogeys on the par-3 6th and 16th holes, Moore’s round was remarkable for not having a single score of 5 on any hole, putting him two shots clear of the field.
Hot on Moore’s heels are Kenya’s ‘Pastor’ Jastas Madoya, the 2021 champion, and Samuel Njoroge Chege, who carded rounds of 66 and 68 respectively. Chege finished strong, with birdies on four of the last six holes, thrusting himself into contention alongside Abraham Ainamani, who also had a powerful finish.
Ainamani, whose name fittingly means “He has power,” overcame a rough start with a bogey on the first hole and another on the par-3 eighth. However, he found his rhythm on the back nine, recording birdies on holes 13, 14, 15, and 18 to finish with a 69—the best score among Ugandan participants.
Adolf Muhumuza, who shot an even-par 71, believes the course favors long hitters. “If you hit the ball far and consistently find the fairways, you are definitely going to score because the course is running very fast,” he said.
Other Ugandan golfers who positioned themselves well for the Cut include Opio Onito (70), Philip Kasozi (71), and Deo Akope (72). Amateur players Joseph Reagan Akena and Joseph Cwinya-ai also finished with rounds of 71.
Meanwhile, Robson Chinhoi, Dismas Indiza, and Ronald Rugumayo face an uphill battle after rounds of 73, 74, and 75 respectively. Rugumayo struggled on Entebbe’s back nine, finishing three-over and will need to step up his game to avoid missing the Cut.
The 19th edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open is supported by Hisense, Case Medical Services, Pinnacle Security Limited, HH Solutions, Medisell, NBS Sport, NCS, Pepsi & Aquafina, and MTN.
