The successful professional golfers who made the cut at the 2017 Independence Golf tournament at Palm Valley Golf and Country Club in Akright Kakungulu Estate have received their prize money on Wednesday.
The money (Shs 30M) was delivered by Crown Beverage Limited marketing manager Brandon Ssemanda to the representatives of the Uganda Professional Golf Association (UPGA) Phillip Kasozi and Emmanuel Opio Onito at the company headquarters in Nakawa, Kampala.
“We remain committed to supporting sports particularly golf. This is the reason we have supported the tournament over the years,” Ssemanda noted.
Lake Victoria Serena club pro Fred Wanzala amassed a total gross of 222 over 54 holes played in three days to beat 27 other professionals.
Wanzala, who had a day earlier won the JBG Golf tourney in Entebbe returned 73, 77 and 72 at the 9 hole course.
Phillip Kasozi and Herman Mutawe were the first and second runners up respectively.
Sixteen pros made the cut from the total number of twenty eight professionals who took part in the 2017 edition.
Wanzala, Kasozi, Herman Mutawe, Deo Akope, Brian Mwesigwa, Silver Opio, Lawrence Muhenda, Vincent Byamukama, Peter Sendaula, Saidi Mawa, Abbey Bagalana all made the grade.
The main event was won by the Uganda national team captain, Becca Mwanja.
Mwanja hit the course record 7-under 65 gross as he amassed 43 stable ford points to claim the overall prize.
Gloria Mbaguta was the best female with 34 points.
A record number of 288 golfers braced the 2017 Independence Golf Tournament at Palm Valley golf and country club.
The professionals now eye the Mbarara Open.
How the Professionals performed (Scores in gross)
1 – Fred Wanzala – 73, 77, 72 – (222)
2 – Phillip Kasozi – 72, 78, 73 (223)
3 – Herman Mutawe -76, 73, 76 (225)
4 – Deo Akope – 74, 78, 75 (227)
5 – Brian Mwesigwa – 77, 75, 76 (228)
6 – Silver Opio – 77, 77, 78 (232)
7 – Lawrence Muhenda – 76, 76, 82 (234)
T8 – Vincent Byamukama – 77, 80, 78 (235)
Peter Sendaula – 75, 77, 83 (235)
10 – Saidi Mawa – 79, 80, 77 (236)
T11 – Abbey Bagalana – 76, 83, 78 (237)
Dennis Anguyo – 75, 78, 84 (237)
13 – Robert Happy – 79, 77, 82 (238)
14 – Robert Oluba – 79, 80, 80 (239)
15 – Brian Toolit – 83, 77, 81 (241)