Kenyans succumb to pressure in Uganda Open

SPORTS-GOLF-JOSHUA SEALE; South African Professional golfer Joshau Seale ( right) and the Uganda Breweries Managing Director Marc Ociti displays his trophy.He posted a round total of 286 gross to win the 74th edition of the Uganda Open Professional golf Championships at Kitante's Uganda Golf Course, in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday,03rd September,2016.PHOTO BY MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD

Kenya professional golfers succumbed to pressure from South Africa in the finals of this year’s Tusker Malt Uganda open professional golf championships.

The competition ended at the Kitante’s Uganda golf course in Kampala on Saturday.

The nearest Kenyan professional golfer to the victory was day three leader Kopan Timbe of Muthaiga sharing the third slot with colleague Stefan Anderson on a round gross total score of 291 each.

The Kenyans were only five strokes away from South Africa’s Joshua Seale, who came from behind to win.

Seale was presented with his title prize money share of an estimated Sh1 million (USh24,750,000) by the Uganda Breweries Managing Director Marc Ociti in presence of the Uganda Golf Union President Johnson Omollo.

The South African who has the best world golf rank (BWGR) of 1536 and currently world golf number 1835 added a two under par 70 gross in the final leg for a round total of 286 gross to emerge the overall winner.

“I dedicate my victory to practice, patience and learning. Thank you organisers, golf colleagues, sponsors and see you next year,” said Seale

Although Timbe had played well, his hopes was, however, dashed after losing focus on hole 15 by dropping a bogey shot and a disastrous double bogey on hole 16.

Zambia’s Madalisto Muthiya claimed the runners up slot after carding a two over par 72 gross in the final day to add his total gross score to 290.

Kenya’s day one Leader Simon Ngige from Thika was fourth on a score of 292 gross.

Kenyans had started off well last Tuesday after Mumias-based Dismas Indiza carded a six over 67 gross to win the opening Pro-Am event, giving way to Ngige to take the lead on Wednesday.