Day Two of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open lived up to the proverbial statement that ‘No two days are the same in golf’. After mauling the field with a magnificent 64 on day one, Dayne Jr Moore returned 73 on Day Two. But that score was still sufficient enough to maintain his grip on the leaderboard. The Zambian has a five- stroke lead over ‘Pastor’ Jastas Madoya who staggered to a five-over 76. The Kenyan is level for the Championship.
Moore showcased his Championship credentials by playing back-to-back eagles on 14 and 15 after carding an ugly triple-bogey on the short par-4 13. Thirteen Ugandan golfers meanwhile managed to make cut including Ronald Rugumayo who bounced back from a poor opening round of 75 to finish with a 69. Joining Rugumayo for the final four rounds are Philip Kasozi, Abraham Ainamani, Rodell Gaita Tadeo, Marvin Kibirige, Vincent Araali Byamukama and Deo Akope.
Other locals to make the cut are Opio Onito, Bulhan Matovu, David Kamulindwa and Adolf Muhumuza. Two Ugandan amateurs, 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena and Titus Okwong, are also through. It was agony for Denis Anguyo and Samuel Kato who both missed the cut by a stroke. The cut-mark was six-over.
Some of the formidable names who packed their bags early are Rwanda’s Aloys Nsabimana, Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, Kenya’s Simon Ngige and Zimbabwe’s Tongoona Charamba.
The pressure group on Friday will feature Zambia’s Moore, Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera and 2021 champion Madoya. Their round should be a spectacle to behold.
Uganda’s Gaita, who is five-over for the championship, is targeting to strike the ball better off the tee on Day Three. “Everything starts with the tee shot,” he remarked after Thursday’s round. “I struggled today but if I can get off the tee better, I think I will score better.”
The 19th edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Uganda Professionals Open has been supported by Hisense, Case Medical Services, Pinnacle Security Limited, HH Solutions, Medisell, NBS Sport, NCS, Pepsi & Aquafina and MTN.
