The hardest thing in golf is hitting a hole-in-one. But hitting one in a tournament as prestigious and historical as the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies 2024 Golf Open is even more special.
On Friday at Entebbe Golf Club, Tanzania’s Aalaa Riyaz Somji from Arusha Gymkhana Golf Club etched her name in the history books of those who has carded one shot on the par-3 number 6.
She hit an inch-perfect 9iron into the club with no doubt the shot of the day, and perhaps of the two days of competition. But that was the only highlight of her round as she struggled all through.
She returned 83 on the day and is a massive 10 strokes off the pace. Still, Somji walked away with a brand new classic Motorolla phone from HH Solutions.
Leading the board is Martha Babirye who shot a 76 to assume control ahead of Saturday’s final round.
Alongside her in the pressure group will be the Tanzania trio of Iddy Hussein Madina, Neema Olomi and Hawa Wanyeche. Only two strokes separate the top four. The final round will be a classic case of squeaky-bum-time.
Babirye, however, was unimpressed with how she performed on the greens.
“I didn’t putt well,” the three-time champion remarked. “I am not happy with how I played but come tomorrow, I know what to do.”
Asked what her strategy would be against the three Tanzanians, Babirye noted that she will approach the game hole by hole.
“The front nine in particular has been a trick for me but I know what to do tomorrow and I believe I have given myself a chance. Let’s wait and see.”
With defending champion Peace Kabasweka not taking part, Babirye is Uganda’s lone hope for victory. Judith Komugisha and Rest Nalutaaya are fifth and sixth but have four and six strokes respectively to make up on the leader. It looks highly unlikely.
Tomorrow’s round will also conclude the bronze category. There will be a subsidiary round as well that will mostly be dominated by amateur golfers preparing for next week’s competition for the men.
Other sponsors of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open are ABSA Bank, Pinnacle Security Limited, Aquafina, Case Medical Services, HH Solutions, Medisell, NCS, MTN and NBS Sport.
