Grace Kasango triumphs at Kinyara Professionals Golf Open

Professional golfer Grace Kasango carded a one-over 143 gross over 36 holes to win the Kinyara Professionals Open at the Kinyara Golf Club in Masindi on Friday.

Jinja Golf Club-bred Kasango, who now lives in Kampala, edged Namulonge’s Tom Jjingo by two strokes to claim the biggest share of the UGX 10 million prize (sh2 million).

This marks his third career win, including the UGC Ladies Open earlier this year, since turning pro in 2021. It is also his second Kinyara triumph, following his victory on the same course in 2022.

The towering long hitter notched five birdies, four of which came in the first round, and an eagle on the par-5 hole 18 in the last round, over the two rounds to atone for last year’s miss when he failed to make the cut.

“This is a good hunting ground for me because I even told the club captain that I was coming to win,” Kasango said.

“The course was in much better condition than in previous events despite the rains that stopped play for about two hours. From then on, it was good. I’m excited to have won because I missed the cut last year, and this has now given me momentum for the next event at Kitante next month.”

Ronald Bukenya finished third, three strokes behind, while Joseph Mawejje and Saidi Mawa tied for fourth with 149 each.

Defending champion Adolf Muhumuza finished a distant sixth, seven strokes behind the winner, while Entebbe’s Emma Ogwang, Silver Opio, Samuel Kato, and Peter Sendaula all managed to secure a portion of the prize money.

Kinyara Pros Open: Top ten

Grace Kasango 70 73 143

Tom Jjingo 77 68 145

Ronald Bukenya 73 73 146

Saidi Mawa 72 77 149

Joseph Mawejje 73 76 149

Adolf Muhumuza 77 73 150

Emma Ogwang 76 75 151

Silver Opio 78 73 151

Samuel Kato 72 80 152

Peter Ssendawula 77 75 152