Golfer braves a battle in Uganda to finish third

GOLF-PAUL MUCHANGI; SPORTS-GOLF-PAUL MUCHANGI; Limuru's Paul Muchangi makes a swing.[Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

Many golfers describe the par-72 Uganda golf course in Kampala, Uganda, as tormenting and challenging.

The 6,684-yard course is on a sweeping elevation, with the Kitante water stream channel running through, providing an immense challenge for golfers, who also have to endure the doglegs.

Eager to prove their dominance, Kenyans, led by Limuru’s Paul Muchangi, came from behind to bring a round total of 300 gross and claim the third slot after four days of gruelling battles with rivals Uganda.

Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo, from Toro Club, steered his country to victory after collecting 299 gross on the final day of the 72-hole Tusker Malt Uganda Open 2017 Championships.

Rugumayo tied on the same score with compatriot and title holder, Ronald Otile, who finished second. Ugandans also dominated the top-10 leader board.

Only Rwanda’s Alloys Nsabimana, who was ninth on 229 gross, spoilt the hosts’ otherwise clean sweep.

On Day One last Wednesday, Royal’s Dennis Sakwa, on a three par 75 gross, was among the top 10 golfers.

He dropped on Day Two to pave the way for Eldoret’s Andrew Chelegoi and Limuru’s Paul Muchangi, with 153 gross each, and place Kenya in the sixth spot.

But they failed to contain the pressure and Railway’s Samuel Njoroge took charge of restoring his team mates’ hopes.

He had a total 227 gross to share the lead on the third day with Ugandans Ronald Rugumayo and Roddwell Gaita.

Kenyan ladies found themselves in a similar situation in their championships last weekend as most of the players failed to master ways of dealing with the pressure. But Golf Park’s Agnes Nyakio braved the storm to finish fourth with a round total of 239 gross, just four strokes behind overall winner, Tanzanian Eaton Angel.

Action now turns to the professionals, who take the stage from September 27, chasing the Sh5.8 million prize money.