Innocent Ndawula
13 October 2008
Youthful Flavia Namakula finally managed to exorcise some of the demons that prohibited her to showcase meticulous golf in the Uganda Ladies Open a week ago to win the inaugural Uganda leg of this year's East African Nation Classic series at Kitante course over the weekend.
The 23-year-old UPDF team member returned the best round of two-over par 74 gross for a superb 41 stableford points to claim the overall and Group A titles.
Namakula, who was playing off handicap 7 later chopped to 6, picked up two birdies on the sixth and eighteenth but the epic of her round was the sweet-eagle on the fifteenth that ensured she made it to the prize list and secured a place in the grand finale set for November 7 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
"I have banged the course," exclaimed Namakula. "That's my girl," replied her coach, lady professional Norah Mbabazi as two shared an emotion-filled hug.
Namukula received her trophy from the Chairman Nation Media Group (NMG) Dr. Martin Aliker, thanked all the people who have supported her budding career and vowed to whole-heartedly represent Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Muthaiga.
The other five that qualified for the final include Sheraton Hotel Kampala's resident physician Dr. Anthony Okullo who finished second in Group A with 39 points, Group B winner Lillian Anguparu (40 points) and the runner-up Aloysious Kimera with 34 points.
Group C winners, Crane Bank's A.R Kalan and Dan Kalimuzo complete Uganda's representatives to the final. The colourful event that attracted a huge field of 160 players also had side bets including staff prize winner that was taken by NMG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Linus Gitahi and the guest prize that was won by John Nzioka of Limuru Club.
Resurgent Herman Mutaawe with a fine-round of 69 won the Shs2m professionals category. The last qualifier will be in Kenya at Kericho Golf Club on October 25.
Group winners
A: F. Namakula 41 points
B: L. Anguparu 40
C: A.R Kalana 38
Gross winner:
E. Nyankori 76
Staff winner
L. Gitahi 31 c/b
Guest winner
J. Nzioka 36
Lady winner
M. Ntege 36
Professionals
H. Mutaawe 69
G. Mande 71
D. Akope 72
G. Olayo 72
E. Ruterana 73
D. Onyango 73
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