East African Golf Challenge:
29th – 31st Sept 2014
Entebbe Golf Course
As all the players from the six countries took to the Par 71 Entebbe Golf course, many left perplexed how they will approach this tricky vast fairway located besides one of Africa’s greatest water bodies – Lake Victoria .
The countries had an official round of practice ahead of the tee off on Friday that starts with the singles’ round.
Players from hosts, Uganda, defending champions, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Ethiopia had a three hour session of 18 holes.
“The practice has been superb though this course is very long compared to our Bujumbura 9 hole course”, Burundi’s Jean Simbagoxye told Kawowo Sports.
Ethiopian players were left panting after the round of 18, a signal of fatigue after hitting the fairways.
“Practice went well but this course has so many dog – legged fairways”, Kenya’s Nelson Simwa remarked.
Amos Kamya, Uganda’s head coach played alongside the 9 players for the entire 18 holes with emphasis on team play, putting perfection and long drive shots on the course.
“The players are mentally and physically ready for the action”, Kamya said.
Friday will be the singles with Saturday having the foursomes and four ball better ball games.
On Sunday, the final round of Singles and longest drive contest, prize giving then the following day the teams will depart.
The teams will be accommodated at Imperial Resort Hotel in Entebbe.
Uganda Breweries through the Johnnie Walker blended scotch whisky is the main sponsor of tournament and have committed 200 million shillings towards the tourney’s organization.
“Golf is a special game for networking. We are happy for the nations to have arrived on time”, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, President of Uganda Golf Union said at a brief press conference.
Flag raising for all the countries and a ground breaking sun downer – a socializing dinner will follow till the wee hours of Friday morning.