Douglas Mazune and Andrew Kabuura
3 July 2009
Kampala — REELING from a failed bid to turn professional last weekend, national champion Vincent Byamukama has renewed the desire to win all silverware at stake in the amateur ranks.
In an effort to come good on his promise, Byamukama will had two practice rounds on the tight nine-hole Mehta course ahead of the two-day Lugazi Open starting today. "The only way I can console myself is by winning the rest of the tournaments, including the Uganda Open," Byamukama said.
"I am good enough to be a professional but the Kitante course has never been favourable to me."
The professional qualifiers were held at Kitante last weekend. National champion, Byamukama together with Silver Opio, Brian Mwesigwa and Emmanuel Nyankori all failed to make the qualifying mark.
Byamukama, who leads this year's Uganda Golf Union stroke-play championship with 25.5 points, six clear of second placed Peter Ssendawula, has turned focus on the event again.
"Winning the Uganda Open entitles one to a slot in the professional ranks but I will wait until January next year because I have got to dominate amateur golf before I go professional," he added.
The Uganda Open, due in September in Entebbe, will be preceded by the East African Challenge at the same club.
The Lugazi Open that is expected to attract top golfers in the country will have a professional event as well. It is the second UGU tournament in Lugazi this season after the Mehta Open held recently.
On the professional front, Deo Akope, will hope to continue his great form this weekend. Fresh from consolidating his lead in the MTN quarterly Mug at the Kitante over the weekend, Akope goes to Lugazi well knowing that victory will not come easily.
"The course is small and tight, there is need for accuracy and concentration," he said.
"All the other professionals will play which makes it even more competitive."
However, Akope's rival Dickson Lagoro fancies his chances in the event as well.
"I am feeling good going into the event."
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