Innocent Ndawula
4 July 2009
Kampala — Ugandan lady golfers breathed a sigh of relief when they learnt that Zambian teen sensation Melissa Nawa had withdrawn from the prestigious Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship on the eve of tee off.
Nawa, 16, swept all in her vicinity during the Uganda Ladies Open last year and had been singled out by several lady golfers including defending champion Flavia Namakula as the hot favourite to win the Kenya Open that takes centerstage at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club this weekend.
"Melissa (Nawa) and another Zambian girl have unfortunately withdrawn at the 11th hour but good thing is that we have 14 foreigners. 10 are from Uganda and four are from Tanzaina. A total number of 74 will compete in this edition," Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) president Shaila Mauladab told Saturday Monitor. "The course is in excellent condition although the greens are very tricky. We are looking forward to an exciting 54-holes competition," she added.
Uganda's 10-man team that includes All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Trustee for East and Central Monica Ntege, a handicap six golfer, handicap 7 Eva Okatch, Entebbe Golf Club's Irene Nakalembe, handicap 7 Jasper Kamukama, Jenina Nasimolo (handicap 7), Petra Nalwoga, Alice Owori, Peace Muyege and Betty Owaraga had an acclimatisation practice round yesterday morning.
Tanzania's bid will be spearheaded by Betty Malaba, the trio of Angel Eaton, Halima Musa and Hawa Wanyeche and veteran Sophie Viggo. Kenya's Mary Karano is also a favourite and together with Jane Njoroge and youthful trio of Rachael Chebukati (17), Christina Anderson (21), and Bhavi Shah (24) will carry the nation's hopes.
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