Leaderboard
1.Joseph Cwinya-ai 145 +3
2.Joseph Akena 146 +4
T3.Abdul Kakeeto 148 +6
T3.Michael Tumusiime 148 +6
T5.Ibrahim Ssemakula 149 +7
T5.Samuel Bazaale 149 +7
7.Titus Okwong 150 +8
Joseph Cwinya-ai has emerged as the front-runner in the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateur Open after an impressive round on Thursday, shooting a two-over 73.
This puts the 2021 champion in strong contention as he sits at three-over for the Championship, setting the stage for an exciting final stretch.
Cwinya-ai’s round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole and a string of birdies on the eighth, tenth, eleventh, and eighteenth holes.
However, his round was not without blemishes, as a double-bogey on the seventeenth threatened to derail his momentum.
Despite this setback, Cwinya-ai remains in a commanding position heading into the weekend.
Hot on his heels is Joseph Reagan Akena, who also shot a 73, matching Cwinya-ai’s score for the day.
The duo is closely followed by Abdul Kakeeto and Michael Tumusiime, who are tied for third, three shots behind the leader.
Tumusiime could have been in the joint lead if not for a costly triple-bogey on the final hole, which marred an otherwise solid round.
Defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga, who struggled in the opening round, bounced back with a round of 72, while the best performances of the day came from youthful golfers Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo, both of whom carded level rounds of 71.
Balala, who started strong with a two-under 69 in the first round, saw his chances diminish after a disappointing round of 82 on Thursday.
His faltering performance has likely cost him a spot in the final group to tee off on Saturday.
Friday’s round will feature a subsidiary round for Group C golfers, with Group B scheduled for Saturday.
As the 83rd edition of the Uganda Open continues, all eyes will be on the remaining contenders as they vie for the prestigious title.
https://sportsnation.co.ug/2024/08/30/jw-uganda-open-cwinya-ai-takes-charge/
