Uganda's Kitata makes Magical Kenya Open cut

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US-based Ugandan golfer Willy Deus Kitata, gets a chance to showcase his talent on a global stage after he qualified to play in this year’s Magical Kenya Open on Monday.

Kitata carded five-over 149 over 36 holes to win the Africa and East Africa region qualifier by a stroke ahead of Malawi’s Paul Chidale and Nigeria’s Sunday Olapade, who tied for second on 150 gross each, to also qualify for the sh9.1b prize money event.

Kitata joined amateur golfer Joseph Cwinyaai as the two Ugandan representatives in the event where another Ugandan, Ronald Rugumayo, made history last year, becoming the first Ugandan to 'make the cut' and play in a DP World Tour event. Kitata can now write his own story in the event where the winner is assured of taking home over sh1b. He is also assured of Absa’s sh17m sponsorship for the event as part of their sh100m contribution to the Ugandan contingent at the event.

Kitata opened the event with a four-over 76 before improving in the second with a one-over 73, where he hit two birdies and three bogeys.

Last year’s winner, Dutchman Darius van Driel, pocketed sh1.56b, with the runner-up, Englishman Joe Dean, taking home sh791m. The same prizes are up for grabs for the top two this year.

As an amateur, Cwinyaai is not entitled to the cash, but making the cut can win him a big token from the organizers, just as he can also use the event to launch his professional career.

Five other Ugandan professionals—Deo Akope, David Kamulindwa, Marvin Kibirige, Rodell Gaita, and Hussein Bagalana—also competed in the qualifier but did not make it. 

Akope was the most unfortunate; he missed the cut by one stroke.