Uganda: Two Time Winners Akope and Chinhoi Skip Uganda Pro-Open

24 October 2023
The Independent (Kampala)

Kampala, Uganda — Former champion Deo Akope, will skip this year's edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Pro Golf Open Championship that tees off tomorrow at the Uganda Golf Club.

Akope, winner in 2006 and 2014, has been struggling with a hip injury and has been advised to rest and receive medical therapy instead of aggrevating it. "Unfortunately it's not going to happen this year. It's really a shame that this has happened on a course that I know at the back of my mind," Akope said in a written statement.

"I have tried everything to see that I could be part of it but I think my health comes first. The Doctors have advised to give in a rest instead of aggrevating it more by forcing to play."

This year's edition has attracted African Pros from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi and South Africa.

Two time winner 2020 and 2022 Robson Chinhoi, has skipped this year's edition due to his involvement in the lucrative South African Sunshine Tour.

"My fans will miss seeing me in the mix as usual but that's the situation at hand. Will see if I will be in a position to play the Entebbe Open," Akope stated. "We have a strong local field and I believe they can win this tourn tbhament on our home turf."

Uganda Open Golf Champion 2015,2016 and 2018 Ronald Otile, returns to the Open this year as a Professional having joined the Professional category in North Carolina, where he graduated from Livingston College.

His namesake Ronald Rugumayo, has just returned from South Africa, where he has been playing on the Sunshine tour together with the Kibuku siblings who have been playing also in South Africa on the same tour. Patrick Obath, the tournament director of the Safari Tour is expected in the country.

The winner of Uganda Pro Golf Open Championship will walk away with sh21 million out of the 100 million prize kitty.

The top 30 will share the kitty and earn points for the Safari Tour.

The Uganda Open is a Safari Tour event together with the Entebbe Open, which was officially launched today with prize fund of 36 million shillings.

The tournament is sponsored by Uganda Breweries Limited under their brand Johnnie Walker, co-sponsors are ABSA Bank Uganda, Pinnacle Security Limited, Crown Beverages, NBS Sport, HK Properties, Medisell, Case Medical Services, HTC Hub, NCS, Royal and Ancient

Winners of Pro Open since 2006:

2006 - Deo Akope (Uganda)

2007 - Dismas Ndiza (Kenya)

2008 - Dismas Ndiza (Kenya)

2009 - Richard Ainley (Kenya)

2010 - Dismus Ndiza (Kenya)

2011 - Dismus Ndiza (Kenya)

2012 - Dismus Ndiza (Kenya)

2013 - Vicent Byamukama (Uganda)

2014 - Deo Akope (Uganda)

2015 - Madalisto Muthiya (Zambia)

2016 - Joshua Seale (South Africa)

2017 - Stephen Ferriera (Portugal)

2018 - Dismas Indiza (Kenya)

2019 - Madalisto Muthiya (Zambia)

2020 - Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe)

2021 - Jastas Madoya (Kenya)

2022 - Robson Chinoi

2023 - ????

Read the original article on Independent (Kampala).

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