Akope wins Captain’s Bell Professionals Tournament
Akope displayed greater consistency than the rest of the field throughout the four rounds, securing his second captain’s trophy in three years, having previously won the event in 2022.
Akope. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
Michael Nsubuga
Sports journalist @New Vision
Deo Akope shot an overall score of 11-under 277 over 72 holes to win the 7th edition of the Absa Captain’s Bell Golf Professionals Tournament at Kitante on Friday.
Akope displayed greater consistency than the rest of the field throughout the four rounds, securing his second captain’s trophy in three years, having previously won the event in 2022.
He started the tournament with a level-par 72, followed by a three-under 69 in the second round and a four-under 68 in the third. Despite these strong performances, he trailed Namulonge's Tom Jingo by six strokes after the first round, five strokes after the second, and two strokes after the third.
However, Akope maintained his composure in the final round, shooting a four-under 68 to secure victory with double digits. Meanwhile, Jingo, who had led for three rounds, succumbed to pressure and shot a 7-over 79 in the final round, ultimately finishing in third place tied with Phillip Kasozi and David Kamulindwa, who all finished with 286, nine strokes behind Akope’s winning score. Grace Kasango, who also played 4-under 68 in the last round, finished second overall, eight strokes away.
Grace Kasango
“When I shot level in the opening round, I gave myself a target of playing any under par and seeing where I would lie,” Akope said.
“When I realized there was a bit of low scoring, I gave myself a double digit because you realise professional golf has improved a lot, so looking at the scoring on this course, I knew someone could win with a good score.
“So, I gave myself a target of shooting ten under regardless of whether I would win or not, and that was now my goal.
“But I have been working slowly behind the scenes with my fitness coach Eddy Okila, who has been instrumental in ensuring I keep working, and now the results are beginning to show,” Akope stated.
Ronald Otile finished fourth, while Rodell Gaita finished fifth in the sh20m prize money tournament.
Final leaderboard
Deo Akope 72 69 68 68 277
Grace Kasango 72 71 74 68 285
Phillip Kasozi 69 70 73 74 286
David Kamulindwa 69 70 72 75 286
Tom Jjingo 66 70 71 79 286
Ronald Otile 76 71 68 72 287
Rodell Gaita 69 76 73 70 288
Davis Kato 75 70 74 70 289
Abbey Bagalana 74 69 71 76 290
Marvin Kibirige 73 75 74 71 293
Abraham Ainamani 74 71 74 75 294
Saidi Mawa 76 72 73 74 295
James Koto 68 79 79 72 298
Samuel Kato 72 74 76 76 298
Emma Ogwang 69 76 78 78 301
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