Cwinya-ai defends Kinyara Golf Open in Masindi

Tooro Club's Joseph Cwinya-ai carded an overall level-71 gross to successfully defend the Kinyara Golf Open in Masindi on Saturday.

The national team captain beat teammates like Godfrey Nsubuga and Michael Alunga, Andrew Ssekibejja as well as 'home boys' Geoffrey Asindua and Christopher Basaliza to the title, in the 24th edition of the tournament that attracted 140 golfers including 27 professionals.

UGC secretary Ruth Ssali (left) hands over a trophy to Meron Kyomugisha who topped the ladies category. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

 

UAP Old Mutual CEO Emmanuel Mwaka (left) hands over a TV screen to Godfrey Asindua who won the Group A nett category. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Grace Kasango who won the event as an amateur in 2018, had earlier pocketed the biggest share of sh10m prize money for the professionals after he won a sudden-death play-off against Mehta Golf Club's Ronnie Bukenya after both had tied on 144 gross after 36 holes to win the category.

"It’s been a while since I last won a tournament but Kinyara is a good hunting ground for me and I rarely leave empty-handed, so it is like a home away from home," Cwinya-ai who walked away with a trophy and a 43-inch flat-screen TV said.

“Defending a championship isn’t easy but this adds to my profile and I feel very happy and thank the sponsors for the fabulous prizes and I would urge all golfers in the country to always embrace this tournament because of the same.”

 

Collins Bulafu (left) hands over a prize to seniors’ winner Jennifer Opio. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Cwinya-ai will now head to the Mbale Open on December 3 in Mbale in high spirits hoping to win his first event there as well and where his nemesis Nsubuga has won at least thrice in the last two years.

“It was a fair outing for me holes because I managed three birdies on holes; 3, 9, and 18 as well as three bogeys because the course wasn’t in its best shape because of the rain. But I drove the ball very well which is always my strength and that’s what helped me win,” Cwinya-ai stated.

Having conquered his troublesome hole (12) with a par, there was no stopping Cwinya-ai who also took the longest drive prize just like Kabale Golf Club’s Meron Kyomugisha who topped the lady’s category with a +12 (83) score.

Sarah Siryowe (left) presents a trophy to Joan Nampewo who won the ladies Group A nett prize. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“The course was fine but not easy because of the rain but I had planned to play much better but thank God I managed to defend it as well. I feel very very happy for this and thank my playing partners who gave me a good game,” Kyomugisha who only birdied hole 18 said.

Kyomugisha who has dominated the ladies' category this year is also aiming to finish off the year with more victories in Mbale and on her come course on December 27.

Overall winners (gross)

Men: Joseph Cwinya-ai 71
Ladies: Meron Kyomugisha 83

Group A
Godfrey Asindua 68nett
Christopher Basaliza 69

Group B
Godwin Okumu 69
Moses Enzama 71
Charles Margach 72

Group C
Arthus Omeda 66
Stephen Oribi 68
Peter Kajubi 75

Ladies Group A
Joan Nampewo 78nett
Sharon Kawanyi 79
Lillian Koowe 82

Group B
Beatrice Kyomukama 70
Concepta Namutebi 81
Catherine Nakimuli 84