Scratch player Abbey Bagalana and Professional Ian Odokonyero put their noses in front as the Eskom Open teed off yesterday at the Jinja Golf Club.
National golfer Bagalana, who is born in Jinja, but now is a member of Uganda Golf Club, was in blistering form as he returned 73 gross on the opening round of action on a very fast course. Entebbe’s duo of Robert Oluba and Mehta Open winner Peter Ssendawula where took one stroke off the pace with 74 gross each going into today’s morning action.
Last year’s winner Adolf Muhumuza, carded 75 gross as he kept the top three leaders in his sights. Jinja’s Ian Odokonyero leads in the professionals with 73 gross with his club-mate Opio Onito second with a same score while Deo Akope remained in contention with a gross total of 74.
Last year’s winner Dickson Lagoro is has a gross score of 76. A total of 170 golfers have entered this year’s event which is a major one on the Uganda Golf Union calendar.
Eskom Uganda, who are marking 10 years have sunk a total of 50 million Uganda shillings with the overall winner landing a 15 million sponsorship deal from the sponsors for one year.
Eskom Open
Day 1
Leader Board
Abbey Bagalana 73 gross
Robert Oluba 74
Peter Ssendawula 74
Adolf Muhumuza 73
Professionals
Ian Odokonyero 73 gross
Opio Onito 73
Deo Akope 74
Dickson Lagoro 76