Cwinyaai sets Captain’s Bell tournament alight with record-equaling 63

Joseph Cwinyaai shot a remarkable 9-under 63, equaling the course record during the opening round of the Absa Captain's Bell tournament at the Uganda Golf Club on Tuesday.

Cwinyaai achieved a bogey-free round, featuring an impressive streak of six consecutive birdies on the first six holes. He added three more birdies on the par 5 holes 8 and 13, as well as on the par 3 hole 17.

This outstanding performance matched the record set by Marvin Kibirige when he won the same tournament in 2023. Notably, both Deo Akope in 2011 and Dismas Indiza in 2019 have also accomplished similar feats on this course.

Cwinyaai followed his opening round heroics with a one-under 71 and carries a ten-stroke lead ahead of second placed Joseph Kasozi in second and 11 against Juma Abiti who is third, going into the last round of the 54-hole competition.

In the lady’s competition Peace Kabasweka holds a one-stroke lead ahead of Gloria Mbaguta, with Harriet Kitaka, Meron Kyomugisha seven and eight strokes away from the leader.

The Captains Bell began on Tuesday alongside professional golfers competing in a 72-hole tournament for a share of 20 million shillings in prize money, taking place from May 13 to 16.

The elite amateur golfers, who are vying for prizes of sh6m for the top six men and sh2m for the top four women over 54 holes will complete their rounds on Thursday.

Professional golfers Tom Jjingo, Phillip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa, Deo Akope and Emma Ogwang are the front runners in that category.

Top ten amateurs

Joseph Cwinyaai 63 71 134

Joseph Kasozi 72 72 144

Juma Abiti 75 70 145

Joseph Akena 73 73 146

Morris Ashaba 74 74 148

Anthony Otukei 79 70 149

Amon Bwambale 78 71 149

Lawrence Walakira 76 73 149

Ashvin Kananathan 74 75 149

Andrew Ssekibejja 74 75 149

Top five ladies

Peace Kabasweka 76 77 153

Gloria Mbaguta 78 76 154

Harriet Kitaka 84 76 160

Meron Kyomugisha 81 80 161

Martha Babirye 79 84 163